LI 


r 


A 


3,. 


szi  J 


LEWEY  AND  I 

OR 

SAILOR  BOYS'  WANDERINGS 


LEWEY  AND  I 


OR 

SAILOR  BOYS'  WANDERINGS 


A  MtQLTH.  T» 

"ON  LAND  AND  MA" 


n 

WM.  H.  THOMES 

Author  <:  :nning  the  BI.->i  kiide,"  **Or 

Lan.    .1 

"A  Si  .tures," 

"A  \\":  .1       ,  :  Gold- 

ill:.  -:id 

"Dariug  Deed*." 


CHICAGO 
LAIRD  &  LEE.  PUBLISHERS 


Copyright*  MDCCCLXXXIY,  by  WM.  H.  TKOMH 


Copyright,  1892,  by  LAI&D  <fc 
(LBWXf  ANX»  I.) 


To  WORSHIPFUL  BROTHER 

CAPTA1X  ALBERT  A.   / 

• 

SUflllNTBNDKNT  Of  THB   BOSTON   AND   PROVIOKNCB   KAILRUAD, 
*    Ml  NITRES    IN    CALIFORNIA,    DURING    I  HE    MEXICAK 

WAR,    IS   RP.SPECTFUI.I.Y    I'KnKMRn,    WITH    FRATERNAL 
r.RI  :  THE   AUTHOR, 

WM.  II.  THOMES. 


914660 


OPIB   READ'S 

GREAT  - 

Character  Novels 


25C  —  RETAIL   PRICE  --  25c 
"TURKEY  EGO"   GRIFFIN 

A  striking  romar.  •  in  character  dili; 

THE  HARKRIDERS 

O»le  rUari  •  rna*terrJ°<^.      A   most  fascinatim?  romance.  bubb1In*OTer  with  th 
author's  quaint  hum.  r.   Am  nig  the  scenes  in  a  fox  hunt  graphically  described. 


THE    STARBUCKS 


A  charming  lore  story.   Rich  i 
£U  characters  tnu 


noonM-i.njs  drollery    vith  tender  touch.  s  of  patho* 
...n,i-i-*  of  m-  . 


THE    JUCKLINS 

One  of  Mr.  Road'u  vui  >•  l>t  ighteut  uud  uiuti  huinoroiu  storie*. 


THE  CARPETBAQQER 

;:K*D  nml  KHASK  1  : 
.    mid   pi  ij-«d   with    g:*at 


OLD  EBENEZER 

Read's  new  utory   In   fnUr  as 
capable  of    mion-i^fti!  flrnmnt 
as   waa   *^Th«   Ju«.k!iu«."  —  i 
Tri> 

MY  YOUNQ  MASTER 

• 

recof;nlz«-'i   >  •  .  »«  » 

claonlc  of  M 

tint. 

A  KENTUCKY  COLONHL 

Tl.i»lsoB«of  the-  ni.  - 
written  a»J 
art«  r.  a*  well  an  t1 
chacte.  pieces  of  '.' 

A  TENNE55EE  JUDQE 

Thl4   is   n  ineatlon  of 

••rtain  pha<i<'H  of  pulilic  life.  It  la  a 
•upifin*-  r)i.irK«-'.'-i  i  ;  •  h  and  an  un- 
•sually  interesting  story. 


ON  THE  SUWANEE  RIVER 

Th<>  i-i    tin"  it.irv  arc 

AH  iiR'l  full  of  ini 

THE  COLOS5US 

a  by  f\a  eminent  literary 
crilic    to    »«•    "tli.-    iiiii>l    <1.  liK'htfuJ 
i  jiroduetion.'' 

ITT  BONLORB 

•    ••  «f  mnir  qua- 

I'.tiex  <>f  MI  ...  .•.  and  is  fuU 

i-f  action,  Incident  and  humor. 

LEN  QANSETT 

in  read  tho  t>,.ok  wlthoat 

TUT  irvr?  IN  THE  CUP  and 

0  lii-r  Morlea 

Many  of   these  are  wot    1     !    •   1-1 

kl  K<im«  siart- 

-      Tlu-y  ar«  typioul 

Till:  \VlVi:s  OF  THE  PROPHET 

The  tlnmr.tho  ph-t.  and  the  ttyk* 
ts    rfinnrl.ablo    story  hare    as> 
counterpart  in  American  literature. 


For  Hale  everywhere,  or  >  •    '• 


IAIRD  <J  LEE, 


CHICAGO 


CONTENTS. 


I. 

SAN     DIKT.O     IN      1846.  —  A 

—  THI:  I-.XHI: 

CHAl'TKk    II. 

ITS  \TH«X.  —  Mi-  :  S     ME 

.      IATH   OP 

.  i»\V,    AXIJ     S  ASCII'  ' 

CH..  III. 

i'l.I.Y.  —  PAYS 

\K  —  A      i  IT      IN 

\viurii     OUR  \i, o/.o.  —  A 

:  :!i-:    MKXICANS.  — 

HCil       I  \(   K.       (,  \\  1..  —  !  \ILORS 

CHAP  I  KR    IV. 

[\—  A    VAQU1  -  TIIK 

\T.-\VI: 

CHAIM  I:R  v. 

•  IT  \(  K.  • 

St. —  A    HORSE   TK  A 

..  -  -    \    I 
AI'l'AKl! 

I-:K  vi. 

A   SURPKI^  AR.~ 

. 

MOV 

S.  —  DON 

Arr; 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

INTON7O     5ANCHOS     MAKES     IT    UNPLEASANT,   AND    ACCUSES 
MURDERING     Till  COURIER. —  TO   THE   CALAHOZO.  —  AN 

IINATION.  UPRISE. —  HEROES   OF   THE  DAY.  —  WAN  1  ED  FOR 

THE     ARMY.  —  OFF     Foi;  I      BARBARA,     AND     INCIDENTS     ON     TUB 

WAY. —THE    CAVALRY,    AND    ITS    HURRIED    MVRCH.  —  SANTA    BARBARA, 
AND    SOME   OLD  AColAI.NlA.NCES.— RANCHE  REFUGIO,  AND  OUR    K. 
TION    IIY    A    STRUNG-MINDED    WOMAN. 

CHAPTER    VIII. 
A  MUTUAL   AGREEMENT.  —  AN   OLD   ACQUAINTANCE. — THE   RANCHE.  —  A 

FAN!  NEXPIICTF.D   MI  i  TINT;.  —  A  GRAND  SURPRISE  TO 

ALL.—  !'  HOSPVTt    IN    AN    APPEARANCE.  —  A  STRUG 

GLE     FOR     LIFE.  —A     DISAPPOINTED     GREASER. —  ON    THE    MARCH.  —  A 

swi!  ;  ION. —  A    LADY'S  GRATITUDE.  —  A  NEW  PROGRAMME.-— 

Till'-    J--IORT    AND    ENCAMPMENT. 

CHAPTER     IX. 

A     BRUSH      WITH     L  \DKONES.—  A     VoL'NG     LADY'S    MODE   OF    EXPRESSING 
THANK^. — THE     1'  ;DF.R.  —  A      LONG      CoNFI.sSION.  — ON     THE 

M  1'l.Ks.  —  MON  I'EREY     ONCE    MOUK.  —  DON 

.     BLOW.— THE    AMERICAN   (  O.VSCL    l.XPREsSES    AN 

UJLE     (QUARTERS.  —  AN     EARTHQUAKE,     AND     A     TU- 

,,        Will!      GENERAL     CASTRO.  —  ANTONIO       AND 

CAR!  ARE     SNUBBED. —  A     DANGEROUS    MISSION   TO   CAP- 

TA! 

CHAPTER    X. 
CAPTAIN    FREMONT'S     CAMP.  —  THE    111  >    DESPATCHES.  —  A 

MGii  \    FIRE. —  THE    C«)\  \LL.-THELETTERS 

FOR  VIKIN.  —  INSTRUCTIONS. —ON    THR 

TRAIL.  — THE    INDIAN    WOMAN.—  THE    CAYALR  Y  SOUAD.  —  THE    SEARCH 

i.RAL      CASTI:«)     Is     SURPRISED.  —  LEWEY     TELLS 

so.Mi  :MING   THE    CAMP.— FISHINC;    IN  A  FOG.  —  THE 

IGATE.  —  SPIES   ON    ALL   SIDES.  —  A     FRIENDLY    WARNING, 

CHAPTER     XI. 

THE.    ATTACK    ON    TH  AND     ITS     RI- PULSE.  —  EDWARDO     SANCHOS 

fS    A     JUST     FATE. — THE      RESCUING     PARTY     FROM     THE    FRIGATE 

—  A  WINDFALL  OF  GOLD.  —  THE  BREAKFAST.  — A  PRE- 

NG     THE     AMERICAN    FLAG    Al     M"MEKEY.  —  A 
\.--o.N     1HE    MARCH.  —TFRRIP.LE    DEATH     OF     TWO 
•  CUTION.  —  A    NIGHT   SCI  :  HE  BEACH. 

M  PER  xn. 

I    BID    SENOHA     C  LL.  AND    HAVE.    \OCtiMMENTSTOM\KE. 

—  THE    MAHf  II    To    I.os 

ON    7  !  F.   TO    SAN    DIEGO.  —  A    :  IN'D     OF     CoLD.  —  A    DIS 

APPOINTMENT     ALL    ROCND.  —  SAN    DIEGO.  —  SCO  rCH    JACKGIYE^    US     A 
RECEPTION.  —A     UNITED     STATES    FLEKT.  —  Oi  .  \  D.  — 

HOME   AT   LAST.—  L    SIbTER.  —  A     HAl'J'Y    Li  IE   AND 

A   DARK   CLOUD.  —  THE 


LEWEY  AND  I; 

UK. 

SAILOR    BOYS'   WANDERINGS. 


CHAPTER    I. 

.    1846.  —  AN'    OLD    SEAMAN'S    PROTEST.  —  DON    .\v 
Uf  CISCO,  AND    m>    SCAKKKD   HAND.—  \ 
\'S    SPORT.  —  OL'K    DOC,    JACK    AND   THE    TURTLE.— 

N  IN  FORCIBLE  TERMS  —  A  MVM'KKIuL.^  SHOT. 
—  11  1  U'Ab  IN 

III  he  remembered  that  the  ship   Admittance  had  sailed  from  San 
Diego,  California,  for  Boston,  in  January.  1846,  and  left  the  French  lad, 

and  rmself  at  the  hide-house,  on  the  beach,  having  been 
and  paid  off,  by  Captain  Peterson,  at  our  own  request.     \\"( 
severe  »i  i"  the   shape  of  smallpox,  so  successfully,  that  even  the 

doctor  of  the  town  had  been  deceived,  as  well  as  the  officers  of  the 

my  previous  work,  ••  ON  LAVD  AND  SKA,"  I  h.« 
»  unhappincs*,  as  well  as  my  own.  when  we  saw  the  old  ship  leave 
the  harbor,  and  pile  on  studding-sails,  alow  and  aloft,  as  she  passed  Point 
.ind  shaped  her  course  —about  south  for  <.\i;  ••   liurn  and 

For  a  lon^  time  I  refused  to  be  comforted,  and  even   Lewe\ 
ny  nature,  encouraging  words,  cheerful  smiles,  and  glowing  pictures  of  the 

^.ou'd  lead  as  free,  roving  ranclieros.  husbands  of  E 
ould  not  lift  the  weight  of  sorrow  from  my  lu-.irt.  as  I  thought 
Utives.  and  what  a  fool  I  had  made  of  myself  in  remaining. 
I  '  tb  strangers  fur  friends,  and  no  one  to  care  for  our  Cut 

except   an   old   shipmate,  —  Scotch   Jack,  —  who  had  charge  of  the   hide- 


Lewey  a} 


io\vn,  our  treasurer  and  guar- 
.  lever  man,  but  who  had  cares  enough  of  his 

'attend   to   wYtliout  bestowing   much    thought  on   two   comparatively- 
unknown  sailor  boys,  who  were  n<.'  have  position  or  influence 
at  home,  and  were  classed  with  the  usual  run  <>i  .e  sup 
posed,  for  I  did  not  know  at  the  time  that  my                 ter  had  made  a 
pronounced  report   to   Mr.  Fitch   in   my   behalf,  and.   perhaps,   tyax-  me  a 
better  reputation   than  I  had  reason  to  <                                       <  M    Lew 
knew  nothing,  anil  so  had   merely  stated   that  the   French  boy  was  smart, 
active,  and  impudent,  at  times,  and  likely  to  lead   a   good   lad,  like   myself, 
into  trouble,  unless  a  little  advice  was  given  m  .  when 

_)osed  I  should  need  it  most. 

Had  I  been  Lewey's  brother  he  could  not  have  treated  me  more  tenderly, 
or  done  more  to  make  me  forget  the  unfortu  in  which  I   was 

placed,  through  his  skillful  inducements  and  persuasions  to  remain  in  Cali 
fornia,  and  link  our  fortunes  with  those  of  two  dark-haired.  <  young 
females,  who  were  not  even  on  a  level  with  the  sailor  boys,  which  we 
chanced  to  be,  as  neither  of  the  girls  had  the  slightest  claims  to  an  educa 
tion,  and  could  not  read  nor  write  even  a  word  of  the  musical  hu 
which  they  spoke  so  rapidly,  if  not  grammatically,  lint  they  were  hand 
some,  and  had  the  most  willowy  and  graceful  forms  of  a  !  their 
class  on  the  coast,  and  we  loved  them  with  all  of  a  boy's  ardor  and  passion 
ate  nature,  and  were  willing  to  forsake  homes  and  relatives  for  the  sake  of 
enjoying  their  companionship,  to  be  with  them,  and  pass  our  days  in  idle 
ness,  riding  horseback  over  ranches,  and  rounding  in  our  rattle,  in  imagi« 
nation,  when  we  wanted  a  little  pleasant  excitement,  aside  from  fandangos 
and  cock-fighti 

-,v  that   he  had   made  a  mistake,  but  he  did  not  let  it  appear, 
cither  on   his  face   or  in    his  conversation.     To  me  he  represented  every- 
as  rose  colored,  and  that   there  was  no  occasion  for  anxiety,  or  care 
for  the  future.     There  were  brilliant  prospects  before  us,  he  sai-1.  1«>\ 
piness,  and  wraith,  and  what  more  could  we  wish   on   our  part  ?     \V< 
now  our  own  mnstei  •.  we   pleased,  go  where  we  desired, 

and  need  care  for  no  one,  as  long  as  we  remained  honest,  and  treated   all 
with  respcrt,  and  consi'  fitting  their  rank. 

•\ndingallofL  to  make  my  position  a  pleas 

ant  one,  I  could   no1.  tears  from  flowing  every  time  I  was  alone,  or 

after  I  had  lunu-d   into  my  bunk  for  the   night,  and   many  a  hearty  crying 
spell  did  I  in'l'ilge  in  during  the  long  and  dreary  hours  of  the  rainy  sea- 


Lewey  a 


•on,  when  the  floo;!  dc  house,  and  the 

wind 

sel  at  anchor  \\\  the  barb  \.  aU  '..*•    ig  '•  ft  • 

: 

More  than  a  dozen  times  did  i  IJiul  i 

ing  his  short  black  pipe,  and  look  in,  as  tho  .ing 

:he  old  ship,  ho:. in;;  tl,  .  »nd  thus 

:  return  f.  il   I 

:ld  bright.  let  a  smile  pa-s  over  his  hand- 

re  the  hapi-icst  boy  in   the  country,  and  cared 
noti  >me  or  fr; 

..-.id  a*k  me  \ilut  I  :. 

saw  us  at  tin-;:  -:th  our  pocLcts  full  of  ':. 

ition  in  our  hearts.     But    1    knew  th.;  his  mii 

If,  only  he  concealed  his  emotions  better  than  I  could,  and 
not  so  faint  hearted  un  <  hcer  me 

«,rds  of  e  :ient   hin. 

no  doubt  but  that  his  :s  wet  \\i:  !D  as  my  own.  only 

he  was  too  manly  to  confess  his  weakness,  or  make   me  a  confidai. 
his  anx:- 

One  forenoon,  about  a  week  after  th     Admittance  had  sailed  for  home, 
and  when  we  had  exhausted  the  resources  of  the  hide-ho, 
all  the  books,  and  reading  them,  to  be  found  on   the  ung 

heavily.  did   not  want  to  start  on  our  long  journe 

land  for  Ranche  Kefu^io.  on  account  of  the  severe  rains  at  that  season  of 
Vring  travel  extremely  unpleasant. 

any  with  Scotch  Jack  and   .  the  othet 

beer,  •  hen  the  ship  sa:lcd,  as  t 

about  one  thousand  hides  being  in   the  <  uld  cure 

them  in  time  for  shipment,  during  the  spells   o:  :ch  did  come 

once  in  a  while  in  the  wet  season. 

.\s  he  helped  himself  t  beef 

steak,  and  then  to  a  pot  of  coffee,  "  wh.it  plans  ha\\  i    the  fu 

ture  ?     You   don't  mean  to  remain  anchored  in  this  bloody  hole  all  your 
lives,  <io  you  ?  " 

..  you  tiro  t  suspicion  that 

tuch  might  be  the  case,  I  asked  i  n  a  little  eagt 

e  ready  answer.     •'  I  don't  tire  of  good  company  to 
ea-  -he  old  mar.  left  orders  to  keep  you  ;M«I  as  long  *s  you  de- 


8  Lcwcy  and  I. 


:  to  remain.     But  you  had  some  object  in  leaving  the  ship,  and  I  wanti 

•.hat  it  is." 

'•  \Ve  mean  to  get  married,  and  settle  down  on  a  ranche,"  I  answered,  and 
.  a  sniff  of  deep  contempt  passed  over  the  weather-beaten,  rugged  face 

:  salt,  and  he  uttered  a  strong  expletive,  and  said,  — 
•  Well,  of  all  the  young  greenhorns  and  fools  that  I  ever  seed,  you  is  the 

isked  Lewey,  as  he  filled  his  pipe,  preparatory  for  a  siv.okc,  and 
d  at  my  face,  to  see  how  the  announcement  affected  me. 

s,  how  does  you  think  your  people   would  like  it  if  you  married  a 
bloody  greaser?"  and  the  master  of  the  hide-house  uttered  a  deep  sni.: 
disgust  as  he  looked  at  us  and  a  half-caste  Indian  woman,  who  was  wam.u- 
along  the  beach,  seeking  to  attract  the  notice   of  some  kanakas  who 
re  at  work  on  hides  in  the  premises  adjoining  our  own.     *•  They  is  all 
alike,"  Jack  continued,  when  he  noticed  that  the  femile  had   retraced  lu-r 
steps  toward  the  town,  followed  by  the  hooting  yells  of  the  natives  of  the 
Sandwich  Islands.     "  Would  I  marry  a  greaser?"  he  asked,  quite  severely. 
As  we  did  not  know  we  remained  disci  eetly  silent. 

"  Look  at  me,"  Jack  said.  "  I  'm  an  old,  battered  sailor-man,  but  there  's 
Scotch  blood  in  my  veins,  and  a  true  son  of  old  Scotland  never  disgraces 
his  name." 

Considering  that  Jack  got  drunk  as  often  as  he  had  a  chance,  we  thought 
this  boasting  a  little  premature,  although  the  man  was  as  honest  a  person 
as  there  was  in  California  at  the  time. 

•k  at  my  face,''  the  old  sailor  said,  "and  tell  me  what  for  should  I 
want  a  wife  ?  " 

»      It  w.is  a  hard-looking  face,  all  seamed  and  blackened  by  exposure   to  hot 

tuns  and  heavy  gales,  and  we  did  not  imagine  for  a  moment  that  a  woman 

Id  be  likely  to  fall  in  love  with  it,  unless  there  was  wealth  to  back  it,  and 

Jack  was  not  rich  in  worldly  goods,  as  he  was  dependent   upon  his  fifteen 

dollars  per  month  for  support,  and  a  shot  in  the  locker  for  old  age. 

"  No,"  the  sailor  continued,  as  soon   as  he  had  got  his  pipe  well  under 
way,  "a  man  is  best  off  without  a  wife,  for  what  could   I   do  with  one  if  I 
wa»  disposed  to   marry?     Take  my  advice,  and  keep  single,  like  me,  and 
when  you  come  to  my  years  and  wisdom,  splice  a  white  woman,  and  c> 
your  kind,  and  see   to  it  that  «he  has  a  little  property  to  fall  back  upon, 
when  you  takes  a  short  vi^e  for  the  sake  of  peace  and  quietness,  which 
can't  always  have  at  home  if  you  is  married.     Hut  no  greaser  for  me, 
and  none  for  you,  if  my  advice  is  followed." 


Ltwey  and  I. 


"But  ve  loves  de  .-ailed    Lewey.     "  Dey  is  slch  nice  ones,  and 

is  so  mm  vould  die  for  us  if  ve  vanted  der. 

e  contemptuous  expression.     "  Don't  you  believes  yerself. 
They  all  say  that,  and   then  sell  you  out  at  the  first  chance    they  gets, 
friends,  and  of  your  future,  and  let  the  woraen  alone,  if  you 
I  good  for  yers 

This  was  kind  advice,  and   worthy  of   a   man    of  better  position   than 
Scotch  Jack,  and  we  should  have  done  well  to  have  heeded  it  .  *  In 

love  never  think  that  their  advisers  and  elders  know  anything,  so  of  cr 
we  did  not  change  our  opinion  on  the  subject  that  was  nearest  our  hearts. 

44  If  1  supposed  for  a  moment  that  you  lads  was  goin'  to  make  I 
yers  -.k  me  if   I  would  n't  clap  you  in  irons,  and  keep  you  on  bread 

and  water  till  I  'd  starved  the  nonsense  all  out  of  you,  th.  !o." 

•-•d  at  the  words,  for  Jack  did  not  possess  the  power  t 
threat  into  execution,  as  there   were  no  irons  on   the  beach,  and  I  doubt  if 

-•  were  handcu:  Diego,  as  lashings  of   rawhide  were  emj  ! 

to  bind  refractory  Indians,  or  thieving  Mexicans  of  the  lower  class,  if  one 
shotud  be  arrested  accidentally,  and  held  for  trial. 

As  Jack  uttered  the  last  ominous  words,  our  dog,  the  lively  little   : 
we  had  bought  and  i  year  or  two  before,  and  kept  on  board  the 

mittance  until  we  were  removed  to  the  shore,  with  pretended  symptoms  of 
the  smallpox,  uttered  several  ominou»  ^ ->t  up  from  under  the  table, 

and  walked  toward  the  door,  sn'ffing  and  : 

-••aser  is  near  the  house,"  said  the   Scotchman.     "You  r 
s  tell  bv  so  hate  a  Mexican  ;  one  of  the 

iss." 

Our  dog  Jack,  ever  since  the  noted  fight  with  the  vaquero's  mastiff,  had  a 
gre.i  >•  to  the  poorer  class  of  ' '  .  and  never  allowed  one  to 

•e  near  the  hide-house  until  he  had  uttered  a  protest. 

u  k  from  the  table,  for  the  purpose  of  going  to  the  dof 

seeing  who  approached  our  premises,  a  tall,  lank,  swarthy  Mexican,  with 
scrape  around   his  shoulders,  and  broad-hrlmmcd  sombrero  on   ! 

a  shock  of  thick  black  hair  that  had  never  known  brush  or  comb, 

mce  of  (  md  stood  frr  a  moment  at  the  thresh- 

•     *  and  the  (!  I;<1   not   know  which  was  the 

k  was  sniffing  at  his  heels,  and  had  not  qu'te  made 

part  if  the  greaser's  body  he  should  take  a  mouthful, 

and  th-  Mcx;  kirk  the  dog,  or  elie  axsail  him 


fO 


"Come  here,  Jack.  .ni  tone, 

but  did  so  reluctantly,  aiu  ,  whil 
uttered  Indiana;;:  protests,  in 

"  Buenos 

with  a  stately  grace    that  even   the   \  -me, 

when  it  suits  his   purpose   to  be  polite   a  M  he 

meets,  even  if  he  hates  them  with  an  undying   hatr  who 

stood  at  the  door  had  occasion  -i 

discovered,  to  our  sorrow. 

i,   senor,"    Lewey   respo: 
pleased  to  enter,  and  take  a  s 

The  Mexican  did  not  respond  to  tl  ne  reason,  bi:t  ; 

in  the  doorway,  and  looked  at  Le 
oring  to  recall  our  faces  to  his  mind, 

i  do  not   remember  me,"  the   Me- 

have  met  you  two  young  caballeros  quite  often  ,  lancisco.     Do 

know  me,  senors  ?  " 

Yes,  we  recollected  him  quite  well,  now  that  IK-  ..1  smiled  on  us 

in  such  a  friendly  .  .tonio  S.ir  :ena,  one 

of  three  brothers,   ami 
monsters  nev  \ntion.     They 

•spective! 

treacherous  in  the  order  nvjn 'Jon •_•-!,  the  hi 

the  leader  of  tl  They  would  steal  and  murder  all  who  were  throv  n 

in  their  w.iy,  unless   the  intern!  well  armed,  and  then   they 

were  too  crafty  to  make  an  open  attack. 

"  \Ve  remember  you,"  said  Lewey,  speaking  in  Spanish.     "  You  arc  Don 
Antonio  Sanchos,"  giving  the  fellow  his  full  tit! 
it  would  please  him. 

The  Mexican  bowed,  and  a  smile  'arc,  as  he 

liked  the  designation  of  don,  —  to  which  he 
some  people  like  to  be  called    "ho;, 

the  world,  under  the   impn-  'on. 

and  that  they  will  be  elevated  in  a  s<  ;e  aid  of  a  handle  to 

names. 

H  Come  and  have  a  drop  of  coffee,"  I  said,  for  the  fellow  did  not  mnvp 
rrom  hl«  position,  but  still  stood  near  the  door,  smiling  and  rubbing  hit 
hands. 

"Ah.   sen  or.  a  thousand  thapks  Jor  >our  kind  offer,"  v.he  Mexican  rt> 


1 1 

.  ncri- 
.1  bite  or  a 

.   , 
to  in  the  smiling,  .  :  who 

.1  little 
I   said.     ••  :k.     The 

:   not  seem  to  k  that  a1! 

Lod  showing hifl  .-vn   in  a  cor 

ner,   and    w..tc!:t  :  eyes,   as 

though   longing  lor  an  encouraging  won!,  so  that  he  could  spring,  and  bite 
one  whom  he  considered  an  enemy  to  us  and  our  sun 

.  caballeros,"  Don  Sanchos  said,  as  he  ;  ot  of  coffee  to 

"  I  'm   glad  to  meet  my  American  friends  once  more.     It  is  a 
- 

I  .nner. 

.s  of  the 

*'or  .un  and   frolic,  ther.  !   find  one  of  my 

trymon.  lit  is  the  thickest,  there  meet  my  peo 

ple  lead  ;  .     Yes,  J  'm  French,  and  next  t<>  I 

Americano.*1 

k  did   not  ui.  ' 

.  >  there   was   no  o 
.'i  he  had  sailed  f<>: 
'  marine,  was  a  little  tet,  .   the   sul-; 

11  the  records  < 
'•o  is  nKo   French?"  asked  the  ing  to  me, 

coffee. 

.  "he  boasts  of  beinq;  a  full-blooded  .  and 

s  that  his  people  can  lick  all  the  world  with  one  hand  tied,  and  a  foot 

•c  all  over,  as  any  one  can   see  ;  but  he  is 

Trcnrhman  tho' 

ne  nice   Americano,"  and  the  crras^r  1<  a  mo« 

rne.  and  then  s?t  his  pot  of   hot  coffe* 
the  table,  and  •  hand  over  hi.^ 

.\r,  inch  and  a  half  ' 
\y  that  scar,  and  how  he  had  received  it,  and  the  si.^hf  m.ule  me  teej 


12  Lewey  ami  L 


t  little  uncomfortable  for  a  moment,  as  I  thought  of  all  the  circumstances  ^ 
the    pa  i,  and  why  the  ieiio.v  had   been   injured.     Then  I  looked    up,  aud 

-   ..ad  followed   my  own,  and  we  exchan^ 

.  il.  ui  significant  meaning,  ana  once  more  we  U-.  .k  that 

.e  a  deep  mistake  in  remaining  in    Caliiui.iia   iiisiead  o; 
..nice. 

ihe  greasei    noted  the  expression  that  was  on  both  of  oui •  f.,ccs,  and  I 

:ed  a  flash  of  his  sinister  eyes  that  did  not 

1'itentions,  but  he  betrayed  no  further  irritation,  even  if  he  did  continue  to 
rub  the  scar  that  showed  so  vividly  on  his  dark,  dirty  hand. 

There  wr*  something  fascinating  in  the  Mexican's  movements,  and  1  sat 
and  looked  at  him  and  the  old  wound,  and  recalled  all  the  circumstances  of 
how  it  wa»  given,  nearly  a  year  before. 

We  were  at  Yerba  Buena,  and  one  day  Antonio  Sanchos  had  been  on 
board  the  ship  to  do  a  little  trading,  or  stealing,  just  as  the  occasion  served. 
He  did  not  buy  much,  and  when  we  set  him  on  shore,  in  company  with 
three  ladies,  he  had  crowded  one  of  them  so  much,  in  a  rude  and  , 
manuer,  in  the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat,  that  she  complained  to  me  about 
the  incivility  of  the  greaser.  I  asked  him  to  give  the  ladies  more  room, 
and  to  take  a  seat  on  a  vacant  thwart, -but,  instead  of  doing  so,  consigned 
me  and  the  women  to  a  pbce  much  warmer  than  San  Diego  in  the  sum 
mer-time.  As  I  knew  the  greaser  was  cowardly  at  heart,  and  more  coward 
ly  than  ever  on  the  water,  for  fear  that  he  would  get  wet,  I  dropped  the 
yoke-lines,  by  which  I  was  steering  the  boat,  told  the  boys  to  stop  rowing, 
caught  the  fellow  by  the  long  hair  of  his  head,  gave  him  a  sudden  jerk, 
and  threw  him  under  a  thwart,  and  then  Lewey  put  his  foot  on  the  man's 
neck,  and  held  him  captive  until  we  beached  the  boat,  when  the  ladies 
anded,  and  thanked  me  for  the  protection  which  I  had  granted  them. 

The  Mexican  did  not  (We  vent  his  spite  on  the  women,  as  they  were 
members  of  influential  families,  with  fathers  and  husbands,  brothers  and 
cousins,  who  would  have  revenged  a  premeditated  insult  with  instant  death, 
or  have  set  a  hundred  wild  Indians  on  the  whole  race  of  Sanchos,  and  ex 
terminated  them  from  the  face  of  the  earth,  consequently  Antonio,  as  soon 
as  Lewey  removed  his  fo«t  from  the  prostrate  neck,  sprang  to  his  feet, 
i  long  knife  from  his  legging,  and  made  a  lunge  at  the  French  lad 
that  would  have  ended  his  adventurous  career  then  and  there,  and  the 
Gaulic  nation  might  have  lost  a  good  and  brave  admiral,  who  is  now  serv 
ing  his  country  with  honor,  in  great  hopes  of  sometime  maVIng  it  as 
grand  and  warlike  as  before  the  disasters  ia  front  of  the  German  hosts. 


/.  !3 


ened  to  have  the  boat-hook  in  my  ha:.  <>se 

c  boat  further  on  the  beach,  and,  as  I  noted  the  greaser'* 

threaten-  -ruck  at  the  weapon,  and   Lewey  was  saved.     Then,  as 

Sanchos  stooped  to  pick  up  the  knife,  with  deep  curses  on  h 

that  he  meant  hief,  so  just  jabbed  his  hand  with  the  point  of  the 

result  was  a  yell,  more  imprecations,  and  a  bad  wound 

m  to  carry  his  hand  in  a  sling  for  many  a  day,  and   to  forego 

alltl  ,   killing  any  one  on  the  beach.     The  wound  had  healed,  but 

the  tear  remained,  and  so  did  the  memory  of   the  injury,  as   I  could  tell  by 

the  .  for  this  was  the  first  time  I  had  seen  him  since  the  fracas. 

The  ,   had  almost   passed   from  my  mind,  as   I   did  not  consider 

sufficient  consequence   to  remember,  we  had  so  many  adventures 

le  hidedroghins,  and  Lewey  was  constantly  in  hot  water,  on  some  ac- 

count  or  other. 

you  \  io\v,"  said  Lewey,  speaking  in   French,  "  I  really 
•  of  the  world  recollects   that  punch  of  the  boat-hook,  which  you 

Francisco.  *t  tba  vi«»e  he   cut  at  me   with  his  knife,  and  you 

saved  my  life  " 

:s  the  case,  what  brings  him  here  ?     He  seems  friendly  enough 
at  the  present  time,"  I  answered. 

The  greaser  listened  attentively,  but  he  could  not  comprehend  a  word 
that  \ve  uttered,  neither  did  he  know  anything  of  the  English  tongue,  but 
we  feared  he  n. 

low  is  like  a   woman,"  the  irrepressible  Lewc  He  is 

snv  -jibbing  his  wound  at  the  same  time.     N'o  one  does  that  but  a 

>sires  revenge  for  some  fancied  injuries,  and  -  -  her 

«.ime    l>cfore  she  is  ready  to  show   her  claws,  and  scratch.     Thorn,  we  must 

.11,  and  be  on  our  guard.     He  means  mischief,  I  beli 

think  he  would  come  to  us.  when  it  ml-  '  • 
:o  keep  at  a  distance,  and   remain  unknown?     I   thir.k  h 
given  ami  forgotten  all  alxnit  the  jab  of  the  rx 

it.     A  greaser's  memory  is  loni;,  and  his  reven: 
irn  in  the  blood,  and  never  eradicated  until  death.         have  a 
»t  the  cur  as  he  sits  here  at  the  table,  and  so  end  his  ca- 
-are  our  safety  at  the  same  time,"  ! 

'on't  talk  like  a  bravo.     You  arc  incapable  of  killing  one  of  tht 
nu:  •  iat  is  flying  over  tl  -Mont  she  N  and  de- 

jjv,  ,eral  oration  over  the  remain*.     You  have  •  »•  » 

or  just  ye  k  to  keep  your  tongue  going." 


14  Lewey  and  /. 


.      \ough  lie  could  not  deny  the  charge,  and  then    Scotch 
Jack  and  the  kanaka  left  the  room  to  look  after  some  hides  in  the  v 
1    not  rind  the    French  or  Spanish  languages  particular'. 

.ble  to  understand  them. 

Sandios,  while  we  were  conversing,  looked  from  Lewey's  face  to  my 
own,  as  if  to  read  our  thoughts,  as  he  could  not  comprehend  our  words. 
Then  he  quietly  rubbed  his  old  wound,  as  if  to  quicken  his  ideas  and  re 
membrances  of  the  past. 

ic  ma>tur  of  the  house  an  American  ?  "  asked  Sanehos,  as  the  old 
sailor  disappeared. 

;  he  is  a  Scotchman,  and  a  good  fellow  in  the  bargain,"  I  said. 

.  die  response. 

4-  What  is  good? ''  asked  the  French  lad,  m  an  abrupt  tone. 
"The  man.     The   maestre  de  casa.     He  is  a  Scotchman.     We  like  the 
Scotch." 

nd  the  French  ?  v  asked  Lewey. 

"  Oh,  we  adore  the  French,"  was  the  answer,  in  a  sneering  tone. 
1  the  Americanos?"  I  said. 

:t  friends  we  are  !     No  one  can  adore  the  Yankees  as  the 
cans  do.     They  come  here  and  trade,  and  marry  our  women,  get  rich,  and 
lead  such  lazy  1!  envy  them  for  their  enterprise  and  desire  to  make 

•  )h,  yes,  we  all  love  thegringoes.     They  are  so  good." 
Here  he  rubbed  his  scar,  and  smiled   on   us,  but   it  was   not  a  pleasant 
smile. 

"  We  think  of  marrying  in  a  few  weeks,"  Lewey  said,  in  tone, 

as  th<  is  an  every  day  occurrence  on  our  part. 

sk  the  names  of  the  fortunate  senorita- 

in  that  did  not  become  his  dark,  dirty  face. 
,  yes.     They  are  called  Anita  and    Kr 

Kefir  ave  been  acquainted  with  them  for  many  n  ,id  the 

Impulsive  and  frank-spoken    Lewey,  who  always  made  a  confidant  ci 
one  a! unit  his  love  affairs. 

itaand  K:  "  repeated  the  greaser,  and   once  more  nil.l 

••  I  shall  remember  those  names  for  a  lon-j   time,  and    i.» 
you  joy  on  your  bridal  fliy.     It  will  be  very  pleasant." 

Her  ominous  growl,  and  walked  toward  the  Mexican, 

and  sniffed  at  his  feet,  as  though  anxious  for  a  ]>'-.'•  <-sh. 

i  left  the  ship  for  the  sake  of  the  senoritas? "  demanded  the  greaser, 
as  soon  as  we  had  called  off  the  brute.-. 


Lewcy  and  I. 


»,»,.,    _.  we  like  Calif, ;  -eweyren,. 

.,1,  for  I  had  n 
-,  matncu:. 

.-..ing. 
.^.-otulocl   the    g  '  means   t 

to  taken;  :Jcacein  I 

in  time  be 

,  .mdgood  « ,11  ot  lli- 

ould  be   i 
forwel  ard  of  the  regulation,  and  tl 

x          ... 

6   country,  where  c 

come  ken- 

'  the    Mexican   reir. 

n.     I   suppose  that  you  know  your  own  minds,  and 

.lo." 

\Vc  mean   to  marry,  and   purchase  a  rant '  y  and 

: 

i  hurry.     Take    your   time   about    it. 
,  may  be  able  to  help  you  in 

' 

Jc   frankl.  -iot   like   1 

ited  the  old   wound.  5nP 

ne  involved  in  our  in  fortunes. 

',    exclaimed,  and   we  thou-'.- 
.•1    him  to  be  when   we  first  met  hi'- 
cnouqh. 

•d  toward  the  doo 
The  brute  did  not  seem  to  lose  fcl 

mosity  by  the  departure  of  the  trreaser,  for  he  continued  -how 

iigns  of  a  desire  to  fasten   on  one  of  the  I  ^  to 

•peak  tharply  to  induce  the  animal  to  keep  at  a  distance. 

vce  dosr."  the  Mexican  said,  but  there  was  an  evil  look  in  hii  dark, 
flash:  n*  eyes  as  he  utiered  the  word*     "  He  is  not  like  hii  masters,  for  ht 


Lewey  and  I. 


cmi  from  an  enemy.     Well,  adios.     I  must  rc:urn  to 
.  e  business  there.*' 

•it  it  Mngular  that  a  greaser  should  have  business  of  any  kind, 
:>g  cattle,  but  said  nothing,  as  we  did  nut  care  to  detain  him, 

rid  of  the  man  for  the  time  being. 
:  Lewey,  as  the  fellow  was  about  to  mount  his  horse, 
the  bay  of  San  Francisco  ?  " 

a  since,"  was  the  reply,  as  the  man   swung  his  lithe  form 
.addle,  and  headed  his  horse  for  the  town. 

s  there  much  news  of  importance  ?  "  we  questioned.     Not  th.it  we 
thought  there  could  be  any  of  moment. 

E  great  .vents  happening  up  North,"  was  the  response.  "An 
American  named  Fremont  is  on  the  Sacramento  River,  with  a  band  of  lu- 
tfrones,  and  Genera!  Castro  has  leit  Monterey  to  drive  him  over  the  moun- 

retched  home,  or  kill  all  who  oppose  him." 
ed   at   the  idea  of  Castro   putting  Fremont  and    his    Rocky- 
in  trappers  to  rlig'r.t,  and  the  Mexican  seemed  to  resent  it,  for  he  said,— 
re  is  more  news  of  an  important  nature.     The  United  States  has 
annexed  Tex.is,  and  war   has    been   declared  between  the  two  count: 
There  will  be  bloody  battles  and  hot  work  before  long." 

"  And  why  did  you  leave  San   Francisco  if  fighting  was  to  take  place  so 
joon  ?  "  Lewey  asked,  in  a  sneering  tone. 

"  I  am  the  bearer  of  despatches,  and  the  courier  and  agent  of  General 
Castro,"  was  the  prompt  answer.     "  I  have  left  orders  at  every  to.vn  on  the 

-t,  and  am  now  on  my  way  to  San  Diego.1' 
"  It  is  lucky  we  have  you  as  a  friend,"  I  said.     "  Without  some  one   to 

totect  us,  we  fear  that  we  should  never  be  able  to  est 
ranche,  and  marry  the  girls  we  love." 

rned  the  greaser,  as  he  gathered  up  his  reins.  "  it  is  very  lucky 
that  we  met  at  the  bay  some  months  ago,  so  that   I  can   vouch  for  you 
'>neno  machineries,  who  would  harm  no  one.     Oh,  yes,  you  are  all  r 
Adios,  senors  liking  the   horse   with   his    long,   heavy    spurs,    he 

'1  over  the  road  that  led  alont;  the  bay  toward  San  D 

and  I   looked  at  each  other's  faces  when  the  greaser  had  disap- 
\Ve  did  not  see  much  to  encourage  either  of  us  in  our 
respective  countenances. 

11,"  I  said  at  length,  "  I  wish  that  I  was  on  board  of  the  old  Admit- 
one-  more.     \Ve  arc  in  a  confounded  mess,  and  no  mista' 
44 So  do  I,"  responded  Lewey,  "but  vo  is  heic  on  vie  bc.ich,   a.M    uf 


Lcwey  a>.  '7 


,in'  can  put  us  <  «ikc  de  be*t  of  it.     Ve 

•a1.     Dal  viU  suit 

.;.it  what  do  you  think  of  the  greaser,  Sanchos?"  I  asked.     "line 

.  what  he  says  ?     Will  he  be  a  friend  or  enemy  ?  " 

ou  ebber  know  a  half-caste  Mexican  to   forget  one  injury?''  de- 

;  ench  lad,  with  a  touch  of  scorn,  which  he  made  no  effort  to 

rubs  'urn  hand  to  keep  alive  de  thought  of  de  punch  you  gib 

him  vid  de  boat-hook.     I  no  trust  a  greaser  fudder  d«a  I  can  throw  a  tail  by 

vey  had  rather  mixed  the  familiar  quotation,  but  I  xva»  too  troubled  in 
unit!  to  <  ht     War  between  the  United  States  and   Mexico  might 

De  a  serious  business  for  us,  and  unsettle  all  of  our  plans,     To  b«  iura,  we 

p  on  board  some  vessel,  and  thus  escape  all  serious  trouble,  bu 
j-,,1  :i\  more  surf  experiences,  or  to  pull  and  haul  ropes, furl  sails, 

»nd  brace  yards.     We  had  anticipated  a  more  pleasant  life,  and  could   not 
,ine  one  that  suited  our  ideas  better  than  living  with  the  girls  we  loved. 
.  >  use  to  borrow  trouble  just  at  present,  we  thought,  but  re- 
iolved  to  see  Captain  Fitch,  our  treasurer  and  guardian,  and  consult  him  at 
the  first  convenient  opportunity,  and  abide  by  his  advice. 
of  influence  in  the  country,  and  the   Mexicans  had  great  confidence  i: 
>,  they  always  borrowed  his  money  when  they  were 
him  good  interest  for  the  same,  and  the  princ: 
ul  not  before. 

. ;  we  wandered  down  to  t'.-e  vats  where  the  Scotchman 
re  stirring  up  some  hides,  "  that  greaser  says  the  U;. 
have  gone  to  I 

•as  the  response  of  the  old  sailor,  as  he  it 
,-ind  listen  to  our  communication. 
.1  moment's  pause,  "  may  the  best  man  win,"  havi: 
.mcthing  after  the  fashion  of  a  prize-fight,  involving  bottl 

holders  n 

.t  we  fear  the  trouble  will  injure  our  prospect*,"  I  suggested. 

•n'  to  injure  you  two  chicks  while  you  is  on  the  bear 
•Oder   my   protect  •'*   sturdy  old    Scotchman. 

fclll(  t'oolin1  around  heix-    :  n  out  of  the  water. 

lieve  me." 

who  could  cot  re- 

of  time. 


Lewey  and  /. 


"  Ne  »ind  where  they  comes  from,  they  'II  get  their  heads  broke 

jist  the  same  if  they  puts  a  hand  on  any  old  shipmate  of   mine,  nuw  I   tclk 
you." 

"  He  ;  ou  defend  us  and  the    hide  house  at  the  sam 

ask 

-':ets  the   skipper  left  me  v.  ' 
They  is  over   my  hunk,  and   lots  of  powder  and  sl.o'   8 

st.     I  could  hold  out  agin  a  hundred 
p"cke  ;  ipe  iu  perfect  contentm* 

He  was  about  to  renew  his  work  when  ih 

i  enormous  flock  of  wi!  ! 

ho;-  ich  other,  as  they  looked  out  for  a  plao 

,hoals  and  muddy  banks  of  the  bay,  and  all  alon 

tide  was  half  ebb,  and  the  ducks  and  other  fowl  were  con  11  di- 

i  the  insects  and  fiddler-crabs  that  hr.  ?hc 

rea 

iwhatitisTshi  '.  »I  have  n't'-    |  ,se  or 

dur:  l  feel  a  '  r  something  different  from  fr 

Co  iv.  ys  has  nothin'  to  do.     Take  the  two  ol 

and  see  ui't  shoot  a  little   -ame.     The  tri; 

occupy  your  time.     I  don't  like  t-  ys  mope,     "r  aVi 

N°w  if  :  -  aguardiente   \v-  coul(!  -.vn  and   i 

Vtnosen 
old  man  told  me  to  set  you  a  goo  ,ose  I  mr 

•hink  there  is  a  -of  the--- 

\  had  had  some  experience  with  the  weapons  up  Xorth. 

-u  is  careful,  and  d  much  of  a  load.     Good  ; 

"ae  can  !.  -id  ducks  here  in   tho  bay. 

>se  on  Jem.     Come,  -o  along  with 
crtime.     I  "vc  go; 

'tin'  on  th<- 

:H!   not  shoot  each  other,  an  ack 

some 

little  recreation,  to  kcop  out    th< 

the  i  i'ie  future,  we  jumped  at  the  proposal  t  ;  ks 

and  ;;<-'•  ,r-.     \  old  muskets,  —  flint-lo.  ->us 

bore  nd  clumsy,  —  cleaned  them  from  rust  took  eno 

powder  and  shot  ;  charges,  whistk-d  for   Jack,  tht 


19 

red  the  s.twll   skit; 

•  all   the  L 
,C  claimc*' 
.n,  aUhcv: 

• 

is  before 

Ut  much  more  ox-  i-ru-nccd  in  the 
• 

and 

mine  own  co; 

<lc  in  de  nice  pie." 

it  much 
>  to  be  seen  a-  .'insane 

C  Indians    when   t: 
,  eat  thav.  -nt  there  v 

md  snip-. 
:sent  time,  make  an  Eastern  sportsma  :  '.clight   at 

•n. 
re  within  t«:n  fathoms  of  the  fowl  when  the  brant 

!<>r  the  purpose  of  inspect 
:red. 
•v,"    I    whispered,  to    them.     'I  a  go< 

re." 
The  hd  stpnclii.-.!  hi;  elbow  on  one  of  the  thwatN  ki.- !: 

B  pale,  ana  ut: 

he   |  ol  the  Han-er  he   was   wilfully  incurr  knew  the 

lot,  and  should  not  have  sup:     - 

ring 
him, 

re?"    1    askeH,  holJin-  the    Init   in   . 


2O  Leivey  and  I. 


hand,  and  the  lively  little  Jack  with  the  other,  for  the  dog  seemed  possessed 
with  the  idea  that  the  expedition  was  gotten  up  on  hi*  own  account,  and 
that  he  was  privileged  to  make  as  much  noise  as  he  pleased,  jump  over 
board,  swim  to  the  game,  and  attack  it  single-handed. 

•'  My  dear  ami,"  said  the  French  lad,  removing  the  gun  from  his  shoul 
der,  and  looking  at  me,  as  though  doubtful  how  the  confession  would  be  re 
ceived,  "  I  i*  afraid  of  dis  old  musket.  You  tires  him  if  you  viil.  I  is  just 
and  ginerous." 

"  Give  m«  the  gun/'  I  cried,  in  t  firm  ton*.  M  I  will  shew  you  how  to  kill 
game." 

This  boasting  irritated  my  friend,  for  h«  said,  — 

'•  Nivcr.  I  takes  de  risk  all  on  mine  self.  1  can  shoot 'am  ai  w«U  as  you. 
Now  seed  me." 

Once  again  he  raised  the  rausket,  took  a  good  aim  at  the  unsuspecting 
game,  shut  both  eyes,  and  then  there  was  a  roar,  a  flash,  and  a  sheet  of 
flame  issued  from  the  old  musket,  and  the  next  moment  Lewey  was  lying 
under  one  of  the  thwarts,  and  the  gun  went  overboard,  in  two  feet  oi  water. 

There  was  a  rl utter  among  the  geese  and  fowl,  feathtrs  flew  in  all  di 
rections,  and  a  dozen  dead  and  wounded  brant  and  ducks  were  lying  on  the 
sand  and  mud,  while  the  uninjured,  with  cackles  and  honks  of  astonishment, 
flew  to  other  feeding  grounds,  where  they  could  fill  up  undisturbed. 

Jack,  with  loud  barks   of  astonishment  and  delight,  bounded  out  of  the 

boat  into  the  water,  and  made  for  the  shore,  to  finish  the  work  of  destruction, 

biting  the  fluttering  ducks,  and  fighting  the  hissing  geese  as  if  fearful  that 

he  would  not  do  his  share  unless  an  immense  amount  of  activity  was  dis- 

'1  on  his  part. 

I  dropped  the  oar,  by  which  I  was  sculling  the  skiff,  and  went  to  the  aid 
fcf  my  di> 

'  1,  as    I   pulled  him  out  from  under  the  thwart,  "are  you 

"  I  is  not  »  er,  "  hut  I  is  most  killed  vld  my  shoulder. 

.'  hits  'c:n?      Ah,  vot  one  co  it  shot  ?       i  slays 

i:l.  ' 

>ed  his  head,  and  looked  arov  .iVf  as 

i-.c  could  move 
.    bi  all  i  ;ght,  although  he 
I 
-xt  time  you  fires  him  youriisclf,"  the  French  boy  said.     "1  has 


Lewey  and  I.  21 


killed  mine  share  for  one  day.    Ah,  vot  a  shot  vos  dat,  and  how  much  it  re 
minds  me  of  dear  old  France." 

••  Do  all  the  guns  in  France  kick  like  this  ?  "  I  ask.    . 
**Ah,  by  gar,  much  vusser  1     Dese  guns  is  nothin1  like  mine  country'*,** 
and,  if  such  was  the  case,  I  mentally  plied  the   hunters  and  sportsmen  ol 
U  bell-.  But  I  think  he  was  boasting,  or  lying. 

Finding  that  the  boy's  injuries  were  ?ot  so  serious  as  I  supposed,  we 

9  back  to  the  place  where  aie  old  musket  was  q-. 
the  bottom  of  the  bay,  managed  to  secure  it,  and  then  landed  on  the 
.  where  Jack  was  impatiently  awaiting  us,  all  the  wounded  due. 
•,  ki.led,  and  piled  up  in  a  heap,  awaiting  inspection  and  a; 
There  were  seven  brant,  two  gray  geese,  six  ducks,  and  three  snipe, 
-hot,  but  then  the  old  musket  was  overcharged,  and  scattered  : 
ly  at  long  range. 

s  delighted  at  his  success,  and  declared  that  no  one  couM 
.rksman,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  his  gunning 
still  lurnishes  him  a  fruitful  theme  for  conversation  when  he  1. 
dinners  on  shore  and  sea.     How  his  listeners  must  qim 
each  other,  as  he  talks,  and  wonder  that  a   man  should  al. 

.11  talking  about  hunting  and  fishing.     The  last  time  I  saw  m\ 
ealcd  to  me  to  corroberate  his  statement,  and,  when    I   i! 
certain  jns  on    the   faces  of  those  j  .  polite 

::tiemcn  were,  for,  although  they  did  not  doubt  u.* 

dent  they  had  never  seen  wild  fowl  as  plentiful  as  >>res  ol 

San  Diego  bay,  near  Ballast  Point,  Puii.t  Lorna,  ::nJ  ." 

red  up  the  spoil,  and  once  more  paddled  around  : 
.:sic.     We  saw  large  numbers  of  geese  and  ducks  n 
beaded  for  them,  the  boat  moving  along  quietly  so  as  not  to  dis- 
"  fowl.     This  time  Lewey  thought  that  I  shoul ! 
i    I  was  not  enthusiastic,  after  his  experience,  I  did  not  sh 
'•ather,  for  fear  of  i  :t  I  loaded  the  gun  with  a 

small  quantity  of  powder  and  shot,  and  hoped  for  the  best. 

in  we  were  in  shoal  water,  n    '  ''thorn*   of  the  ernme.  the 

heads  and  looV-d  .it  us,  hut  'Ter  to 

move  from  their  feeding  crcvr 

.v   yon  £ib  dem  fits,"  whispered  LC\T-  ' -*t   then    TirV.  who 

•  it  was  a  command  for  him  to  show  his  usefulness,  jumped  oat 
>f  the  boat,  and  m.irlr  for  thr  <;Vnre. 
TW  tiucks  and   -•  c^e  -,\*4f  JUarwt d  at  tht  plunge,  took  to  their 


Lewey  and  /. 


>nks  and  qua  d,  just  as  they  arose,  I  aimed  at   ihe 

std<"'  \   oil'  an,  :ilbleda 

and  ducks, some  killed  outrignt,  ,  ,  ^  , 

I  done  I    I  could  n't  i  :t ,     ,  voukl  n-t  hab 

you  could  do  so  veil  1 

^  •  just 

and]  Eromhisa  h\ 

l^^iaii-  ( and  appreciated  my  friend's 

mions  of  Jack,  wl 
allow  a  si  d  to  escape, 

use 

-   to   Hkc  .  .nning 

every  we 

turned  our  attention  to  ci  .  dozen  or  more,  and, 

^  among  axcll.and 

shouted,  — 

do  come  here,  and  see  de   vaikin'  snuffbox  I     Ah,  now  ve 
shaL  .ui" 

to  where  he  was,  on  a  piece  of  sandy  beach,  and  found  the  l-oy 

junr  ttd  down,  dancing  arounci  ,-d.pound   turtle,  an.; 

h  and  broken  English  a5  though  he  ba  1  found  a  | 

-cl  did  nut  know  IH  .  |  it. 

;e  de  old  valkin'  .snuffbox  !     I  .     :iSSelf  |     Gh,  c!e  nice 

oup  he  iaW  you  ? 

iad  then    Lewey  showere,!   dowr    Btonei  on  tlv. 
id. 

:  turn  it  over  on   its   1  .      »  1  nnd  the  Impulsive  I 

d  to  accomplish   the  j.  cached,  the  turtle 

commenced  using  its  f!  '  throw-  clou  Is  of  san(!  and  gravel  in  the 

•riklng  the  face  of  •  md  for  n  moment  biinrifng  h!m,  so  that  he 

had  to  cover  his  ey<  -  from  the  Inry  of  the  STorm. 

I  ran  ahead  of  the  turtle,  and,  when  th"  snnd  cloud  wai  leu  dense,  turned 
the  prize  on  its  hark,  nnr!  thus  hnd  it  spmrr.  nnd  at  Ottf  mercy. 

"  Nehber  seed  nnydln^  like  dat  nf.  -v  re:r.tikM,  as  he  bnished 

the  pr:iy(-1-s!r>n*s  from  his   eyes  nnd   hair.     "lie  n>ht  ail  behind  like  de 

;;  is  him,  .MM!   de    good  soup  at  da   samt    tfm*.     Ah, 

n  innate  boys  ve  i*.    Ve  alvays  comes  oo  our  fast  ven  der2  IA  much 

dan- 


I 


That  was  all  true,  but  how  were  we  to  get  the  turtle  in  the  boat,  and   es- 

:;ic  serious  bites  from  tne  ponderous  jaws,  that  seeme<; 
enougn  to  crush  a  piece  of  iron  ?     We  could  not  cut  off  ; 

tiie  attempt,  it  would  draw  it  in  beneath  the   shell.     After  all 
othci  v:its  had  failed  we  obtained  so:  :,om  the  l.» 

a  slip-noose,  dropped  it  over  the  turtle's  neck,  and,  with  the  aitl  01  an  oar, 
prepared  to  carry  the  priie  to  the  skiff.     It  was  n't  plea&ant  fur  the  turtle, 
and   neither   would   it   have   been  agreeable  to  us  had 
closed  <>n  one  of  our  limbs. 
Jack   wanted   to  take  a  hand   in  tht  entertainment,  and  once  cr 

!  the  turtle  as  though  wondering  if   tl,  .   it, 

-ren  such  an  animal  before,  and  seemed   i; 
on   that   he  could   lick  it  in  a  fair  combat,  and,  when  he  turn 
our  a  the  matter,  allowed  his  tail  to  get  within   ' 

the  icre  was  a  ell,  and  the  m< 

With  a  shrill  "  Ki-yi  !  "  Jack  turned  to  run,  but  he  « 

hundred   pounds,  so  pawed  s.ind  and  gravel  until  tl. 
ill  particles  of  dirt,  re.^t  e  shower  which  the  turtle 

thrown  at  Lewey. 

!   you   ebber  seed  sich  a  fool  in  all  your  born  da 

•   de  debil  vill  ve  do  ncr,\  ?     Ci-t  de   '  tf,  or  de 

_;ar!  dis  beats  etaryding  dat  I  has  seen  in  my  long 
and  eventful  1 

v.hile  Lewcy  was  talking,  the  dog  was  suffering,  and  yelping  like  a 
Indian  m  Attack  on  a  defenceless  party  of  emigrants.     \Ve  out 

.'•s,  and   hacked  away  at  the  turtle's  neck,  but  for  a  long 
not  seem  to  make  any  impression,  or  cause   the  jaws  to  let  go 
their  t-ji;  But  blood  commenced   to  flow,  an 

fiercer  a*  \\t  thought  of  Jack's  sufferings.     At  last  the  j 
the  tail  \vas  free,  and  then   if   that  plucky  little  build.  turn  around, 

!  .igrab  at  one  of  his  enemy's  flippers,  and   bite  as  thou-h  to  be 
>ut  he  had  suffered.       It  was  a  long  time  1>' 

:'  >r  he  was  as  tenaci  s  antagonist  when 

stened  his  grip  01  an  oppon" 

-is  lacerated  a  little,  but  it  soon  got  well.  .:  some 

•  protecting  the  wound   from  :!.e   flies  an 
were  very  abundant  on  the  beach,  and  at  the  hide-house. 

i  back  to  our  quarters.  r,r.  rather,  drifted,  (»;   :!.  ^ood, 

ird,  when  we  struck  ib«  btach,  Scotch  Jack  an  . 


Lewey  and  I. 


meet  us,  and  see  what  luck  we  had  had.  Their  amazement  and  commend* 
tions  \\ere  great  when  they  sa  .it  of  our  forenoon's  work.  The  tur 

tle  they  were  a  little  su.-picious  of,  and  Jack  said  that  it  \\as  no  -  <>.!  for  hu- 
mans  to  eat,  but,  after  Lewey  liad  eulogized  the  beautiiul  soup  that  it  would 

:e,  although  he  frankly  ackn  he  did   not  know  how  to 

make  it,  the  old  sailor  said  that  we  had  better  land  the  turtle,  and  stow  it 
away  in  the  hide-house  until  sue!)  time  as  he  could  study  up  on  the  subject, 
aid  see  how  it  would  be  proper  to  prepare  the  soup. 

The  game  found  welcome  customers  among  the  people  on  the  beach,  but 
after  we  had  supplied  all  who  wanted  a  goose  or  duck,  four.d  that  we  had 
half  a  dozen  brant  and  geese  left  for  our  own  consumption. 

But  the  Scotchman  mourned  for  the  wet,  rusty  musket,  and  refused  to  be 
comforted  until  we  had  taken  the  gun  all  to  pieces,  ami  oiled  it  in  a 
thorough  manner.  Then  he  was  satisfied,  and  said  that  we  c  uld  go  gun* 
ning  again  the  next  morning,  or  as  often  as  we  wished,  but  v.c  never  had 

T  day's  sport  on  the  shores  of  the  bay  of  San  Die_o,  having 
other  and  more  important  business  to  attend  to.  \Ve  often  thought  of 
Jack,  the  ii  .  and  the  diu  i.  <.f  Spr.ni- 

•    late  years,  if  s;.i,n.->men    of   Southern 

the  trouble  to  indulge  in  hunting,  and  fur  a  time  forget  the  cares  of  busi 
ness  life.  For  those  fond  of  the  gun  and  rod  there  ne\  a  ]  lace  like 
San  Diego,  and  its  vicinity,  many  years  ago.  Then  no  skill  or  tac  wza  re 
quired  to  hi:  a  boat  with  fish  or  fowl  in  a  short  time. 

\\  e  took  a  swim,  dined,  had  the   usual   afternoon's  siesta   and  roused  up, 

'  our  pipes,  and  wondered  what  we  should  do  for  an 
tainment,  as  new  books  were  very  scarce,  when  who  should  enter  the  hide- 

'•ut  our  friend  and  guardian,  Captain  Fitch,  of  San  ])' 
"Wei  lie  asked,  "arc   you    ail   r-^ht  ?     No   m   rt 

5vmpt  ne?     Did  you  play  a   prank  on   Peterson,  or,  honest  and 

ill  ? 

immcrcd  T,  md  r.?\vcy  ro-e< •!,  -  with 

.hough   he   lelt  that  he  had  •  a  hard  line  of  li 

'^ft  on  shore. 

hen,     I  '11  allow  you  were  sick.     Now.  what  •'  an  to 

0     You  don't  intend  to  stav  V  -i  ?" 

tl.inl:  of  he,  and   petting  m. 

t  the  i  to   be  b;  omc  time, 

and  thr>  ouic'«-r  the  DCtl 

the  old  gfntleBUu-.in  a  re- -il.ir  quarter-deck  tone  of 


Lewev  and  I. 


and  he  i  'hough  a: 

s  on  our  x  -ons. 

I   in  love   vid    i  -:ig   ladies,"  L  «   t3 

:er  over  in  a  speedy  manner, 
.a  fiddlestick!"  the  captain  cried.     "Look  ahere,  if 

of   ;,ou  until  }our 

I    never  hc.ird  of  such  ridiculous  "foolishness  in  all  my 
i   Lord,  h  -'l  u<t  "« 

he  nonsense  out  of  you  with  a  rope's-i- 

ied  in  this  country  if  he  is  \\\  -cd. 

>.     U  ;n't  talk  to  me.      1  '11  clap  you  both  in  irons 

i  then,  :  s  he  paced  the  room  in  which  the 
held,  sud  ped,  am! 

lOtt't  1    wish    i 

uind  you  if  Midi  a  pn.»positi.m  was  broached  to  him. 
1  'm  t,,,,  i-oaturcd  wit'.i  bo\s.     \\'..\  the   d-vil   don'l   you   tell 

I  uooiul,"  said  Lcw^y,  with  a  smack  of  his  lips. 

'.    of  such    nonsense,"  was  the   fierce  rejoinder. 

..  —  off-colore-.l,"  1  ventured  to  remark. 

s   the   contemptuous  e>. 

.  think  that  boys  who  h.;  it  up,  and  have  a  little  edu- 

taking  half  caste  girls  for  wives.      I 

nev 

\-m.-in,  n<^  matter  vot  is  de  color  ob  de  face,"  rer 

•he  frank  Captain.     "A 
,,  il  ;,,)uaredoi.^?     Do 

moment    what    ad 
is  IK 

vouM  help  keep  de  house  in   onlor.    and  vip   all  de  shiU. 
ll  1.  with    a   f.ir-awnv  look  in  ! 
tare,  and  he  could  picture  an   vl' 
:  m.ikinu'  Wv  !   ' 

mon-  nt  to  conf 

m  to  know  something*  talUon.ia  inarri«d  life,"  I  suggested, 

8 


28  Lewey  and  /. 


the  words,  the  captain  turned  on  me  to  sefe  If  t 

\ords,  but,  seeing  that  I    was  not  inclined  to  be  sai 

for  his  matrimonial  existence  was  said  to  be  a  very  ba;>;-y  one,  he  i.nly  an 
swered,  — 

"  I  know  what  I  know,  and  you  don't.     But  let  us  drop  the  subject,  for  1 
have  more  important  duties  to  attend  to.     There  is  a  rumor  in  town  that 
w  ir  has  been  declared  between    Mexico  and  the  United  States.     At  a:iy 
rate  the  latter  country  has  annexed   Texas,  and,  if  there   is  no  \\arnow 
there  soon  will  be.     This  will  make  the  positions  of  unnaturalixed  citizens 
in   California  a  little   precarious,  for  the   greasers  may  be  terribly  e 
against  the  gringos,  and    perhaps  resort  to  acts  of  violence  which  v, 
not  prevent,  do  the  best  we  can  to  shield  our  countrymen.     1  hav 

in  this  part  of  the   State,  and  will  do  what  I  can  f<  • 

you  give  up  this  idea  of  marrying,  settle  on  a  ranche,  and  raise  cattle,  in- 
stead  of  children.  But,  to  do  all  this  you  must  take  out  a  matriculador.  and 
then  declare  your  intention  of  becoming  a  naturalized  citizen.  I  h<>. 

.liars  of  your   money,  left  in  trust  by  Captain  IV 
i  can  do  much  in  the  way  of  a  start.     Will  you  think  of  what  I  have 

let  me  know  your  decision  in  the  course  of  a  few  da, 
i,  sir,  but  our  minds  are  all  made  up  on   the  subject  of  gettii:. 
ried.     We  have  pledged  our  words,  and  they  should  be  sacred,"  I  said,  and 

no  U'ed  an  acquiescence  of  my  sentiments. 

"  .My  boys,"  the  captain  remarked,  in  a  low  tone,  "  there  is  nothing  sacred 
here  in  California,  when  one's  interest  runs  counter  to  his  anticipations. 
You  b>  guided  by  me,  and  all  will  come  out  right,  and  I  n;  u  rich 

and  prosperous  rancheros  before  many  years.  But  keep  away  from  the 
girls,  and  by  and  by,  when  the  proper  time  comes  along,  I  '11  see  if  I  can't 
fcnd  y  cent  young  women  as  companions  for  life.  Leave  all  to 

me,  and  don't  be  blanked  fools." 

We  did  n"t  desire  to  argue  the  point  any  more,  and  so  held  our  tongues, 
hut  perhaps  it  would  have  been  as  well  if  we  had  taken  his  advice,  for  he 
meant  t,  and  really  desired  to  better  our  fortunes,  and  the  i 

he  pointed  out  was  the  proper  one  to  take.     But  we   were  infatuated,  and, 
\\hen  such  is  the  case,  reason  and  prudence  are  thrown  aside   by  bc.t: 
boys. 

We  told  the  captain  of  our  gunning  expedition,  the  capture  o.  the  turtle, 
and  killing  of  the  geese  and  ducks,  and  the  old  gentleman  rubbed  his  hands, 
as  he  said,  — 
-1  'm  going  to  have  some  swell  Mexicans  at  my  house  tomorrow  even- 


\\c 


Lewey  and  /.  29 

aid  i  will  give  them  a  bit  of  supper,  and  a  little  enteitainment      1  ')! 
egamc.     Tlu.  How 

.11?     bay  two  geese,  a  pair  of  biatit,  and 

. 

i:,uin  that  he  was  welcome  to  all  .  i,  and  that 

could  not  think  of  taking  a  rnedio  from  him. 

!     I  don't  want  your  property  without  ; 

-.lough  ?  "  and  the   captain   threw  on   the  to 
.,1  refused  to  return  ti.em   to   his  pocket,  even 
.  all  intention  of  selling  the  products  of  our  e.v 

.iptain  said,  in  a  cheery  tone.  -end  a 

liter  1  return  home,  for  the  turtle  ar. 
ani!  .1  1  grace  my  table."     Then   he  he 

something  on  his  mind,  and  fu 

me  that  you  two  ladj  once  gave  an  entertainment  before 
i  Monterey,  and  that  there  were  lot 
•gotten  now  just  wiiat  it  was,  but  M 
r,e  by  repeating  it  at  my  house  tomom 

ior  they  are  as  proud  as  Lucifer, 

•  •.  I  will  give  you  a 
h  fur  your  trouble.'1 
will   withdraw  the  offer  of  money,  and  let  us  volunteer  O' 

>0u,"  and  Leu 

E  thought  ot   the  exhibition  at    M 
of  the  old  women,  squeals  of  the  young 
:  |     •  |f|    !  ..ii.alleros. 

.ou  please.     I  won't  offer  you  money,  but  you  shan  ': 
;1  come,  and  amuse  m\  1'hey  nev   • 

[  'il  send   some  borsei  •  the 

.in  rule  up  to  town,  and  rcm.i 

M  of    me?"   5 
m,  and  heard  f  rl  «»f  the  conversation. 

ait   the   boys.      I    \  '  to  their   compam 

ti-.t  them  to  !»unk  outside  of  the  house.     Cn':  I  COW      Up  :in-J.  look 

f.»r  .1  moment,  and  then  s.vd.  — 

"  \Vi>'Mf   C.ll'    '  «     k  5  " 

"Oh,  just    where  you    ule-  I    a'n't   u-nrter  deck   com; 


Lcwcy  at  id  I. 


know.     Put  me  on  the  forecast1^  I  me  tend  the  head  sheets,  and  I  'U 

be  all  ri-l.t/' 

^eiitLman's  parlor  is  not  like  a  ship's  deck,  Jack,"  the  captain  re 
marked. 

*•  1  know  all  that,  sir,  but  I  'm  one  of  the  kind  what  can  do  duty  any 
where.  I  can  help  the  cook,  p.iss  the  grub,  or  turn  my  hand  to  anything/' 
Jack  said. 

;i  to  drinking  more  than  your  share  of  aguardiente.  Jack  i 
tain  a  bantering  tone. 

M  Wei'.,  sir,  I  never  yet  had  my  full  s'-are,  and  don't  think  that    : 
*hall.     But,    all    the    same,    I    'd   like   to  see   the   lads  give   thci; 
exhibition." 

1  you  promise  to  keep  sober,  Jack?"  demanded  Caj  tain  Fiuh.  and 
now  he  was  sp<  alvin  ;  seriously,  for  the  Scotchman   uas  a  terror   wl. 
got  full  of  native   rum,  and  willing  to  fight  half  a  dozen   greasers  at  the 
same  time,  or  any  one  who  defied  him. 

rd,  sir,  a  judge  could  n't  keep  more  sober  than  me,  when  : 
A-ord  for  it.     I  '11  only  urink  when  you  axes  me  to,  and  I  hope  it  \\:. 
dften  as  you  liiinks  is  all  right  and  pioper.     Say  about  one    tot  to  ea 
ill  the  it  won't  be  much,  sir,  for  an  able  seaman,  wha; 

his  d  ,.!'>it,  on  K»:;d  and  water." 

As  Jack    could    be  relied    on,   when   he    pledged   his   word,  the  * 
gmiled,  and  said  that  he  might  come,  but  he  must  keep  in  the  background, 
4nd  pi  ie  of  the  mass  of  helpers,  for  the  grandees  who  - 

•lity  would   not  tolerate  a  sailor  man  in  their  com]  any, 
ICCr,  and  master  of  a  ship,  at  that. 

1  quite  satisfactorily  to  every  one,  and  duii: 
m  the  ll  enthusiastic  over  the  gord  time  he  v 

»nd  how   Providence    seemed  to  have  interfered  in  his  behali. 
lice  boys  i    to   console    him   in    his    solitude,   and    u 

quarters. 

The   nvxt  day  WC  got  out  the  wooden  balls  and  sticks,  and  j  n 
two  hours,  or  i;:,::!   Lewey  could    spin   the  plates  without  Icttii 
md  all  the  •  ere  thrtis  occupied  Jack  and    the    kanaka  \\atched  our 

movement  -  interest,  praising   -'id   nitici.sii 

(re,.]v  ,.rs  (\\(\  n.  •  Of  them.     At  last    the    son   of  the 

Sandwich    Islands   could    no   longer   repress    his    admiration,  and    he   «• 

claimed.  — 

like  much  ->nt  to  go  too,  and  see  de  fun." 


Lewev  and  L  31 


.  <>u  know  •  Jack, 

: 

K  e,  and   not   try  to  torce  your>-Il 

. 

80  the; 

:f  th   t 

:im  from  the    sailor,  and   boss,  1 
1  i  is  presence  upon  us.     He  wa  !  up  M 

1  second,  as  the  master  of  the  1 
responsibility  and  trusr,  ;r.  th-  -  «.h"n    much   vuhi. 

>  our  owners. 

much   to    look  after  forapmnir. 
.ir  usual  after;:  1    then   <; 

:oes,  and  silk   : 
when  he  hail 

!mt,  as  he  tho--  :.e  and 

•  his  tout  ensemble,  or  general  m;: 
• 

to  as- 
incc  at  \\. 
:\\  peculiar  s.iti 

)-icc  I  asked  him  if  he  expected 
man  in  the  course  of  the  cv 
M-red  that  the  female  did  not  live  to  whom  1  c  1 

slie  was 
title,  with    a  distil; 

ild  wait  until   sue! 
.     i  her  good  acn> 

;oke  our 

more 
nd  he 
caperc  the  feet  of  our  i, 

. 

had   let  him  lo  !  us  as  u 

,  him. 


j-'  Lewey  and  T. 


We  did  not  care  to  send  Jack  back,  so  spoke  a  few  words  of  kindness  to 
him,  and  that  satisfied  the  brute  lie  was  all  right,  and  could  go  with  us. 

.ad  to  ride  slowly,  on  account  of  Scotch  Jack,  who  was  not  much  of 
a  cavalier,  but,  just  as  twilight  was  closing  in  around  us,  rendering  objects 
a  little  indistinct,  we  were  surprised  to  hear  the  report  of  a  rifle  in  a  thick 
copse  of  willows,  or  bushes,  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  then  the  old  sailor's 
stiff  tarpaulin  fell  into  the  mud,  and  Jack  was  swearing  with  all  the  energy 
of  his  rugged  nature  at  the  disaster. 

.1   moment   we  could    not    realize    what    had    happened,   but    the 
Scotchman  dismounted,  saying  as  he  did  so,  — 

••  That  was  a  narrow  squeak,  boys.  An  inch  or  two  nearer,  and  old  J.u.k 
would  have  been  laid  away  forever." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  tell  us  that  a  ball  struck  your  hat?"  Lewey  and  I  de 
manded,  both  speaking  at  once. 

'•That '3  what  I  intended  to  convey,"  the  sailor  said.  "  See  here,"  and 
he  thrust  one  of  his  fingers  through  a  hole  near  the  rim  of  the  hat. 

for  him,  Jack!"  I   shouted  to  the   dog,  who  was  looking  at  us  in 
wonderment,  and  waiting  for  orders. 

auiiv.  il  -^ave  an  angry  growl,  and  dashed  toward  the  cop>c  of  bush- 
TS.     The  next  instant  Lewey  and  I  were  heading  our  horses  in  the  same 
I'rection,  heedless  of  the  Scotchman's  cries  to  come  back,  as  it  was  no  use 
.•  chase,  for  a  stern  one  is  a  long  one,  and  we  did  not  know  the  coun 
try  any  too  well. 

We  plunged  through  the  green  bush,  and  then  heard  the  clatter  of  horse's 
feet  in  the  distance,  and   saw  a  vaqucro,  mounted  on  a  powerful  mustang, 
toward  the  open  country,  and  turning  in  his  saddle  to  see  if  he  was 
pursued. 

Jack  was  racing  after  the  fellow,  but  we  saw  at  a  glance  that  the  latter 
irt.  and   owned   a   faster   horse   than   the   ones  we   were 
riding. 

va*   no  use   to  go  arter  him,1'  Lewey  said.     "  He  vill  get  avay  from 
us.     Call  back  de  dog." 

\\V  whistled  to  Jack  to  return,  and  the  plucky  uttle  animal  gave  up  the 
pursuit,  hut,  when  he  joined  us.  we  could  see  disgust  on  his  expressive  face, 
because  he  had  not  been  more  successful  in  the  chase. 

to  the  old  siil.ir.  and  wondered  what  the  shot  meant,  and 
if  the  rifle  bullet  was  an  accident,  or  the  result  of  a  deliberate  plan  to  rid 
:nan  of  the  cares  of  ihc  w>rKi.  01   t-i   them  contempt    for  his  hat, 
in  which  he  took  so  much  pride. 


ty  and  L  33 


••  Well,  old  man,;'  we  said,  -what  do  you  make  of  \. 

••  I  don't  make  much  of  it,"  he  answered,  "except  that  I  nearly  lost  the 
number  of  my  mess.  The  cuss  came  pretty  near  the  old  man's  head.  An 
inch  lower  and  he  would  have  had 

11  Have  you  an  enemy  in  San  Diego  ? ''   I  inquired. 

I    knows  of.     To  be  sure,  a  fellow  can't  get  drunk,  and  cl- 
4  to\\n  of  greasers,  without  some  person  getting  hurted,  but  I  did  n't 
think  any  one  held  a  grudge  agin  me  since  I  allers  healed  all  the  wounds 
with  a  drink  at  my  cxpc: 

i  has  not  to  some  voman  made  de  love,  and  den  vhat  you  call  de- 
asked  Lewey. 
'.as  the  prompt  reply.     "  I  don't  bothers  with  female  like 

some  people." 

DO  solution  to  the  problem,  we  rode  on  toward  the  ca; 

there  ju*t  at  dark,  when  we  met  peons  ready  to  look  af- 

.  then  Mr.  Fitch  came  out,  and  made  us  welcome,  and  led 

mall  roonvjfthat  overlooked  the  garden,  where  we  found  some  fruit, 

as  comfortable  as  possible  until  the  proper 

time  for  out  appearance  before  the  company. 

Billed  in  every  part,  and  we  could  smell  the  odor  of 
^ed  viands,  and  hear  the  shrill  voices  of  the  servants,  as  they  called  to 
i  other  to  perform  certain  dutic-.     We  could  note  the  company  as  it  ar 
id  the  cheery  tones  of  the  captain,  as  he  welcomed  his  guests, 
•i  there  was  the  usual  strumming  of  harps,  and  the  twanging  of  guitars, 
occasional  son  sweet-voiced  doncellita,  who  sang  of 

and  romanrr.     At   List   then  hush,  and  Captain  Fitch,  his  face 

tality  and  wine,  came  to  the  room,  and  said  that  the  audi 
ence  was  all  ready  for 

the  best  you  can.  boys,"  our  host  remarked.     "  The  alcalda,  and  all 
the  great  people  of  the  town  are  present,  and  count  on  much  amusement  at 
I 

took  our  dishes,  balls,  and   I  id  the  captain  to  the 

.cipal  room  of  the  1.  "id  a  hundred  ladies  and  gentle- 

s  we  entered  the  apartment,  there  murmur 

their  fans  in  tok 
oen  us  m.  'vhcn  we  wen 

,:l,l  the  little  1  -imc  to  the 

Most  of  th«  Dcoole  present  did  not  know  that 


34  Lcwey  an 


we  had  be. MI  left  <  .lieu  the  ship  sailed,  so  there  was  a  hum  Oi 

tcnishm  .   and  loud   whispers  on  the  part  of  t 

ladies. 

Caj  to  the  audience  in  a  little    speech,  tl. 

rather  e  ig  to  us;  even  if  it  was  frank  and    truthful,  and,  \vhi! 

was  making  !  . . .  wey  and  I  were   compelled  to    .:.len  in 

silence. 

lies  and  g  .id  the  candid  captai  .        lads  have 

chosen   to  remain  on  from   the  shi;<.  for  a  ct 

purpose.     Now   I  do  not  believe  that  there  i- 

guess  what   their   motive   is  in   staying  h<  ad  of   returning  to  : 

friends." 

>ered  to  each  other,  while  the  old    women 
loo!:  they  did  not  care  about  the  matter  at    all.     The  men 

jid  seemed  to  wonder  when  the  ea  lid  begin. 

'continued  the  captain,  after  a  paua  r  to  remain  in 

California  because  I,  and  are  in  love  with  two  dark- 

eyed  _  :  igio." 

There   was   a  sens.1.  .:ig    the  girls.     Thev  smiled   on   us,  s! 

their  white  t  •  though  tb  lOl  consider  it  a  criir. 

.inttoma:.  .er    approved    of  the  plan,  ii 

could  ju:Ig'.»  by  ti,  vhile   the  •  tned,  and   muttered   that   we 

were  locos,  or  .  and  I  blushed,  and  thought  tlia-  this  was  more 

em'.,  light  at  Monte  ncc 

with  our  wonderful  scr; 

this  nonsense  out  of  their  heads,"  continu 
it  is  not  for  the:. 

r-j  some  hisses  on  the  pa-t  of  the  you: 
indignation  directed  the  captain.     The  man 

a   ma'ter  of  course,  and,  when    I    ghncc'l  at   their   wive  -t    blame 

them. 

"  However,"  contir,  ;  "itch,  "  the  question  now  is  for  our  cntertain- 

me.-.1  Is,     As  they  grow  older  they  will  know  bet- 

'.t." 

1  °f  ''s'1  '  ;    from  the 

men. 

'.eat  on,  "  I   h.  :re  of 

•.'ic  young  lads  who  ,  ^iVe   an   exhibition  ol 

leger  >r  your  amusement.  ,  way,  bo, 


Lewc,  35 


her  embarrassing  to  go  forward  u  .  a  battery  of  bright 

.  for  all  the  girls   were  :ieat  clothes,  and  more 

one  rem.i  '^er 

cnc^,  ;  to  be  c<>  women  were  con 

cerned,  aixl   I    ic/.  of  the  attention  which  his 

:;sj>ired. 

took  our  places  at  the  the  lights 

.1,  and   then    Lirwey   ba'.  v.ick, 

::ul,  lot  t!.  :  rest  on  his  ch!  .id,  when 

he  had   three  plates,  all  moving  at  once,  the   .  the 

aderful  thing  they  had  ever  seen,  and  no 
doubt  they  were  correct.  .  of  them  had  never  been  beyond  the  con- 

:  rt  and  uneventful  lives. 

h  Jack,  who  ;:ig  in  the  doorway,  in  company  with  the  ser 

-.shouted  for  "three  cheers."     Some  one   had  given  him  a  drink  of 

having  its  usual  effect  on  a  susceptible  disposition. 

•ok  from  iin,  however,  silenced  the  sailor,  but  Jack,  our  dog, 

hat  he  appreciated  the  call  by  title:  :v.l  energetic  barks,  and 

came  to  the  place  where  we  stood,  and  laid  down,  facing  the  audience, 

:  person  present,  as  though  he  had  but  little  respect 
one  except  those  to  whom  he  owed  allegiance. 

As  soon  as  the  plate  trick  was  exhausted,  I  handed  Lewey  the  balls,  and 

he  kept  them  in  motion  around  his  head,  all  in  a  circle,  and  that  delighted 

the  audience,  for  they  uttered    murmurs   of   B  .ind    Lewey's  heart 

led  with  pride,  as  he  thought  of  the  iv  •.  iking,  and,  as 

had  not  better 

;tle  while  before  m  ^nd  see  if   we  could  n't  get  a  few  cattle  and 

bides  as  v 

next  incident  was  batting  the  sticks,  «*nd  this  was  also  approve 

them  the  handkerchief  t  cd  the  remnants  of 

the  iwo  pannelos  -iscd  in  Mont-  I  ile   we  were  emp'. 

e  pieces  in  a  hat,  we  noticed  astir  at  the  door,  and  heard  a 
I  i'-k,  the  dog,  started  t.  and  would  '. 

>  the  entrance  had  I  iv-' 

his  bark  i  not  utter  a  sound. 

The  ladies   looked  if  debating  i.i  their 

minds  what  the  noise  w  ul  then    I    saw  .   his 

to  prevent  him  from  entering  the 
apartment. 


36  Lewey  and  I. 


iiat  is   the   me  the  noise  .  >r  ?  ''  dc?i 

I  tone,  for  he   thought  that  some  of   !. 

drinking  a  little  more  oi  the  country  xvii,  ia  good  for   their  faithful 

attention  to  household  duties.     He   spoke  in   Spanish,  but  the  old  .^ 
man  knew  enough  of  the  language  to  understand   the  question,  and   he 
answered,  — 

>t  of  blanked  greasers  want  to  come  in,  and  mix  with  the  ladu 
gentlemen,  and  I  'm  keepin'  'em  out.*' 

we  are  coming  in  at  all  hazard,"  a  familiar   voi< 

nchos,  of  San  Francisco,  followed  l»y  ' 
oils-looking  Mexicans,  pushed  aside  the  servants,  and  entered  the  r< 

Sorry  to  disturb  the  company,"  Sanchos  said,  in  a  sneering  t. 
I  want  that  American  boy.     I  arrest  hi-n  as  a  suspect,  —  a  sospecl 
an  enemy  to  the  State  and  to  Mexico.     He  is  my  prisoner,  in  the  n.iine  ot 
the  law.' 


CHAPTER   II. 

\NTONIO     SANCHOS     CREATES     A     SENSATION.  —  HE     CHARGES     MB 

iNU    AN    h.NI-.MV     Oi  KM  A.  — AX    A: 

ALCALUV.  —  SC.OK  il   JACK    IS    FULL     OF     FK.H1      AM>     AGl'AR- 
—  THE   CALAHOZO.  —  A   LITTLE   LUVi.-MAK.ING.  —  AN    OATH    OP 
.  0\V,    AND     SANCHOS     THREATS.  —  A 

c  a  moment  there  was  a  death-like  silence,  even  Captain  Fitch  seem- 

-  A     ing  to  be  too  much  surprised  to  speak,  and  ti  tlemen 

:  ijazed  at  each  other,  at  Sanchos.and  m)aelf.     I  had  been  pionounced 

>cchoso  by  the  biggest  scoundrel   in   Caliiurnia,  and  for  what  reason 

iwas  beyond  my  comprehension,  although  1  knew  enough  to  be  awai 

v  an  unscrupulous  man.  was  not  intended  to  do  me 
t  that  particular   time,  when  national  feel 

•-•re   not   in  great  favor   with    the   people  of   the 

.  as  master  of  the  house,  was  the  first  to  recover  speech, 
nger  that  was  raging  within  him   by  his  red  face  and 

i  blanked  scoundrel,"  the  en  \vhat  do  you  mean  by  en- 

'.he  house  without  an  inviiation,  .•.  in   this 

illy,  sennr,"  the  Mexic.i  tck  of 

;bis  right  hand,  and  glanced  around  the  room.  "Let   us  have  no    harsh 

e  to  comrr.nm:  "id  not  t->                 ..mded. 

I  am  here  to  arrest  t  ke  him  into  custody,  and 
land  him  In  tic 

•*  Uog  of  a  greaser  "  ihoutc  i  you  !  ,y  a  hand  on  that 


Lewc)   a fut  L 


American  lad  I  '11  have  you  flogged  through  the  town  at  the  tail  of  a  cart. 
The  alcalda  is  here  in  the  room,  and  will  give  the  order,  i  ^one, 

and  the  cut-throats  that  you  have  brought  with  you.  This  is  no  place  for 
yon  and  your  companions.  Depart,  or  I  '11  command  niv  servants  to  pun- 
idh  y 

'•  Have  a  moment's  patience,  O  renegade  of  a  Yankee,"  Don  Sanchos 
said,  in  a  sneering  tone,  but,  before  he  could  utter  another  word.  Su>Uh 
Jack,  who  had  in  some  mysterious  manner  put  out  of  K 

irdiente,  and  v.  -:ting  into  a  righting  mood,  when  he  would 

at  nothing  that  stood  before  him.  raised  one  of  his  hardened,  poncU 
fists,  and  struck  the  foul-mouthe  !  uirler  the  ear,  and  he  U. 

the  floor  as  though  felled  by  the  axe  of  an  abattoir  butcher,  and  then  our 
dog,  thinking  that  he  saw  a  good  chance  to  put  in  a  little  work  on  his  own 
account,  made  a  spring  for  the  fallen  man,  and  would  have  seized  him  by 
the  throat,  if  Lewey  had  not  run  up,  and  dragged  him  away  just  in  time  to 
prevent  serious  injuries  to  the  prostrate  fellow's  windpipe. 

The  ladies  were  a  little  excited,  and  arose  from  their  seats,  perhaps  the 
better  to  see  the  battle,  while  the  men  regarded   the  whole  thing 
thing  gotten  up  for  their  especial  benefit,  and  would  not  have  cared  if  there 
had  been  more  righting,  only  with  the  proviso  that  knives  should  be  drawn, 
and  blood  shed,  for  the  sake  of  variety.     A   Mexican   can  endm 
amount  of  cruelty  if  there   is    a   liberal  flow  of  blood  thrown  in,  to  .uive  it 
spice,  although,  as  a  general  thing,  he  don't  care  to  spill  his  own  vital  fluid 
nearly  as  well  as  his  neighbors'. 

'1  he  several  Mexicans  who  had  accompanied  Don  Sanchos  to  the  house 
seemed  a  little  disconcerted  at  the  fall  of  their  leader,  and  two  of  them 
their  hands  on  the  hilts  of  large  cuchillos,  as  if  with  the  intention  of  using 
Ihem,  ancl,  had  they  carried  out  their  intention,  the  Scotchman  would  have 
been  cut  to  pieces,  as  he  was  unarmed,  before  his  friends  could  go  to  his 
assistance.  ., 

"  Is  there  another  greaser  what  wants  to  stand  afore  me?"  demanded  the 
old  sailor,  the  native  rum  beginning  to  work.  *'  If  there  is,  just  set  him 
foul  of  me.  I  can  lick  a  dozen  of  'em,  and  not  half  try." 

"  He  quiet,  Jack,"  commanded  Captain  Fitch.  "  You  will  make  a  bad 
matter  worse  by  your  hasty  action.  This  is  something  that  can'i  be  set 
tled  '  h-and-tttmbie  fight  The  hw  will  reach  the  fellow  who  came 
here  and  insulted  us  as  he  has  done.  The  alcalda  must  attend  to  him.'' 

"Yes,"  said  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  town,  "  I  will  loo!-,  r.ftrr  him  to 
morrow.  No  one  can  be  arrested  in  San  Diego  without  my  warrant.  Th« 


Ltwty  and  L  39 


American  lad   shall  not  be  disturbed.  good  bo;  I  done 

nothi;  -'so." 

.••red  the;.  !>ut,  whi! 

- 

be  could  collect 

. 

knows 

it   fiom  n: 
other  work.  md  the  ar. 

the  official,  or  something  equivalent  to  it. 

here  to  note   the   actions  of  the  brave  Califor- 

: 

Tlici'  little  sensation    at  tl-ese   words,  for  Sane'.  '.it  the 

weak  side  vxican   ch  -suspicion    of  all    foreigners,  and 

icss  to  believe  evil  of  them. 

••The   bo  -  on    shore   with  his  companion  because  they  had  the 

ihought  t1  if   taken   I  I   am   their 

I  will  1  for  their  good    behavior 

>e  gentlemen  present. 

l  good!     That  'lie  muttered 

•ch  had  lived  many  years  in   San  I  tf  well  liked  by 

.. 

.i»t  enough,"  cried  the   Mexican  greaser,  with    a   savage 

the  Amer. 

nand  until  you  are  tired  and   thi* 

i  he  boy  shall  not  be  arrested  or  molested.     I  have  said  it, 
xican  gentleman  never  \ 

This   so  amused    Lewey  that   he  actually  turned   and  winked  at  m 
then  v  i  subdued  manner  at  the  cage-  who   were 

before  him. 

•feet  this  will  !  :  >on  Sanchos  cr^ed,  as  he 

took  kom  his  bosom  a  paper,  scale  I  wi:  icld  it  over  his  head, 

it  in  triumph,  and  continue-! 
DOW  at  war.     Th.;1.  :s  the  rep  Our  land  i 


Lewey  and  I. 


<>rde  of  robbers,  under  one  Fremont,  wim  refuses  to  leave  our 
boi  >r>e  \vho  is  not  for  u 

this     --ctiment.  and  see  if  1  have  authority  to  act   as  J   do,"  an<!    Dun 
chos  handed  ihe  paper  to  the  town  official,  and  tKen  gave  me  a.  glance 
showed  some  oi   the  hate  burning  in  his  breast,  and  wnich  iud  neen  smoth 
ered  fora  time,  when  he  supposed  there  was  no  opportunity  to  revenge  his 
fancied 

•itched  ;he  scar  on  his  hand  as  he  looked  at  me,  and   I   saw  that   he 

e  a  bitter  enemy  if  he  could  have  his  own  way  in 
treatment 

The  aicalda  took  the  document,  and,  as  he  slowly  opened  it,  Sanchos 
5  aid,  — 

i  will  see  that  General  Castro,  the  commander-in-chief  of  the 
can  forces  in  this  State,  has  appointed  me  as  his   courier  and   secret  a_ 
•arrest  all  ^fornii.     That  document  is 

endorsed  by  the  governor,  and  b;  ,.  and  his  brother,  Andreus   Pico, 

the  second  in  command.     Let  no  one  interfere   with   me,  or  cross  me  in  my 
line  of  duty.     I  am  ( 

:  not  in  my  house."  cried  the  hot-headed  Captain  Fitch.     "  You  and 

.ill  that  I  care,  but  you  can't  enter  my  : 

arrest  a  boy  on  your  absurd  suspicions.     Leave  the   place,  or  I  '11  kick 
you  and  \  >f  thieves  out  of  the  room." 

There  was  a  murnv:  •  to  thi.-»  threat  from  the  gentlemen  pi 

andtheimpul          I  .lied  out  for  three   cheers  for  the  host,  but  no 

one  :  !  except  Scotch  Jack,  who  gave  a  yell  that  made  even  Sanchos 

turn  toward  the  door,  in  the  expectation  of  seeing  a  rescuing  party  near  at 
hand. 

s  a  very  cautious  man,  and  rather  conservative.     He  knew 
r  that  devolved  upon  him  as  a  law  officer,  and  would  take  no  risks, 
id  not  propose  to  butt  his  head  against  the  military  and  civic  office i 
the  State,  when  the  only  qu(  h-comber,  who  was  of 

no  account  in  the  affairs  of  California.     Therefore  the   magistrate  did  not 
••-•a  his  movements  as  he  read   the  official  document  before   him.     The 
U  were  in  an  agony  of  impatience  and  asked  him  to  hur- 

•    that   they  could   learn   the   final  ••    announces 

!e  early  in  the  evening,  that    wr   were   in    1 

and  want  -:urried,  had  great  influence  in   swaying  their  j 

and.  to  a  girl,  ''    :    v-re  with  us.  as  f.u  as  sympathy  was  concei: 

•  :ie   youn*  creature  aatd.  looking  at   me   with  tearful 


and  /.  41 


eyes.  i  nk  wli.it  .1  misfortune  it  would  be  for  him  if  he  sho 

tier  all." 

t  to  mair.:  .  omposure  during  the  whole  of  the  tumult,  hut  did 

1  any  too  comfortable  when  I  thought 

become  of  me  in  case  the  villain  Sanchos  once  had  it  in  his  power  to  do  as 
he  pic..  old  scores  for  the  unfortunate  blow  of   -.h 

hook.     Lewey  ^.ive  me  an  encouraging  glance   once  in  a  while,  .. 
sure  me  that    he    would  stand    by  my  side  in  adversity,  and  J.i 

--.1  his  white,  sharp-point 
sco  ruffian  spi> 

1C  document,"  said   thr    alcalda   at   kust,  '•  i> 

Antonio  Sanchos  claims  nothing  that   this   paper  docs  iiim  to 

!c  can   ar.  '    that   he   pleases,  and  I  must  lend  him 

•  requires  it.     Hat  HO   one  here    tonight    who  1>< 

that  the   b,>  vicious   P<-TS;>M.  an(l   llc  c  |I; 

easily.     He  is  a  native  of  the  United  States,  but  t!  QOt  make  h 

at  the  present  time.     Until  we  have  received  from  Mexico  an  official 
that  war  !.  we  are  bound  to   protect   him,  and  shall 

until  further  or 

"  Three  cheers  for  de  alcalda  of  San   Diego,"  cried  Lewey  in  English, 

and  Scotch  Jack  joined  in  the  howl  with  much  spirit,  for  he  had  got  hold  of 

another  glass  of  aguardiente,  in  some  mysterious  manner,  and  it  was  telling 

on  him  by  actions  and  words.     Me  already  began  to  weary  of  standing  idle, 

i  to  fight  some  one  for  the  love  of  it.     He  had  already  forgotten 

romises. 

•.>p  quiet,  my  lad,"  Captain   Fitch  said,  in  a  mild  tone.     "Voumaka 
too  much  noise  for  a  small  boy,"  addressing  Le\\ 

It  jist  dink  of  de  occasion,  sir,"  was  the  French  lad's  response.     -I 
de  often  time  dat  one  friend  of  mine  is  nabbed  by  a  willain  as  a  soi 
pechoso.     He  is  good.     He  is  noble.     For  him  I  die." 

m't  have  to  do  that  just  at  present,"  the  c.1; 

will  -tand  by  him  and  you  as  lon-j;  as  I  have  a  shot  in  the  locker,  and 
ve  get  the  boy  out  of  thi 

intil  the  conversation  ceased.     }•  :  a  nnn  to 

irry.     He   even   lighted  "tie  that  I 

rolled  :.y  the  time  he  finished  i  ,'ichos' 

document. 

^id  the  chief  official  of  the  town,  as  he  • 
e.«cape  from   his  :.ims.  like  the  spout 


42  Lewey  and  I. 


whale,  "the  boy  ifl  -lean.     That  he  admits.     He  does  not  belong  to 

any  ship.     'J  hat  al  V'  turning  to  Captain  Fitch. 

The  old  gent. 

"Very   we1!.     .  l  a  full  ,     in   legular  form,"  the 

alcalda  con  tin 

"  I  demand  to  see  it,"  Don  Sanchos  cried  in  an  impatient  tone,  for  nut 
ters  did  nut  m,,ve  along  ..  ht  they  .should. 

lime  arrives,"  the  Ol  q-iite  calmly. 

'•I    h..  of  both   boys   locked  up   in    my  safe,  with  their 

Scanty  ho  ihe  captain  intern:; 

that   presently,"  the   alcaMa  rema,  ;.<.  .1.     -A,  !ar  as  I 
am  conce;  u.M 

"  But  not  i  mlod,  like  a  beast,  hun-: 

"Oh,  may  the  saints  have  me  in  their  keeping,  but  at  what  time  are   we 
going   to   have  suppei  .  who   cared   not 

E  the  1 

aml  the   tab:-.-  I  the 

:  in. 

;  irked  to  the  and 

•male's  mo. .us.     "There    is   but  one  tiling  to  be 
•  the  present  time,  and  that  we  can  arrive  at  very  quit 

L-d  up  the 
offici-i!  ,t,— 

rotcctions,  and  all  will  be  v. 

can   :  !    rnment   1.          n       ;  its 

arms  over  :'  is   able  to  take  care  of  all  who  can  boast  of 

.     The  protections  will  prove  tlia1.  are 

enen.  .     .;bilc  Of   MCV  ;  as 

Pr5s  :•-•  thus  entitled    tc    th.it   kind  and  humane  t; 

which    our  con  .  .s    bestows   UL-  )i\    :  Into    its 

power." 

Lewey  looked  at  me  in  consternation.     Our  were  or.  : 

the  Admittance.     Mine  in  my  own  name,  and    Lew 
P'ck  unscrupulous  shipping-master,  and   sent   to   th< 

>m  house  a  fc  Jed,  to  prove  that  two-thirds  of  the 

crew  were  nati  .  ss  required,  but  -vhich 

every    ship-captain    and    owner    violated    w.-ek    after    week,   because 

be  induced  to  turn   their  attention  to 
the  l  :i  treated  on  ihip-board.     Alas,  the  Admittance  was 


Z/r<  /.  45 


• 

.•id  left  us  without  giving  cv  ions  a 

lingle  thou/iit.     We  had  not  seen  the  clocume 

of  the  captain,  some  lh:  on. 

v,  Lids,"  cried  Captain   Fitch,  "just  tell  me   where   the  prot« 
;  1  when  they  can  be  seen,  and  then  we  \\ill  : 

tirn  these  vagabonds  out  of  the  house." 

\Ve  made  no  reply,  and  could  not.     We  saw  th.  • 
lie  predicament,  and  did   not  feel  like  c; 
sion  that  we  had  no  protections  to  show  the  alcaltla. 

up  to  view,  striking  it  gently  with  his  left  hand. 

The  scoundrel,  quick-witted  and  unscrupulous,  suspected  the  true  state 
of  the  case,   and  there  was  a  fierce  light  in  his  black,  i 
continued,  — 

<•  French  lad  will  go  unharmed,  even  if  lie  '  teclion. 

ill-will,  if  he  did  insult  me  one  d.i  native 

of  a  friendly  country,  at  the  present  time,  so  It  is  tl.< 

kee  gringo  whom  I  want  to  settle  with.     Ik  ith  «t  boat- 

hook,  and   here  is    the   wound,"  holding  up 
i  the  scar  was  deeply  imprinted. 

i  needed  the  blow,"  i   said,  as   I 
pathi/e  with  the  fellow.     "  You  insulted  a  relative  of  C 

'pnplained  to  me,  and  I  punished  yon  a 
done   the  same  thing  had  one  of  these  you:  <>i  their  mothers  been 

ii  at  the  rudeness  of  an  impolite  man  111 
s  a  ripple  of  applause,  and  the  la 
once  more,  to  range  them  long  my  1. 

quickly  endeavored  to  counteract  it. 

e  talked  enough  for  one    evening,"  he  is  not 

I   or  the  muchachos  did,  for  those  are  old 
now  is,  has  the  boy  a  protection,  or  U   h<-  a   DUtricul 

searched,  and  he  ha  let  him  fur- 

nish  the 

'•  Txit  :  ne  of  the  men  «aid,  look  ier. 

14  The  saints  defen  vill  the  men  never  cease   tall  that  w« 

can  have  some  supper,"  cried  two  or  three  > 

•'  Ye?,  tell  us  of  your  protection,"  the  alcalda  cried,  turning  to  me. 

"  Lie  a  little  about  it,"  whispered  Le\\    t  .•  J*nK  ^or  :  a  '** 


Lewey  and  1. 


L-  can  Iiire  some  von  to  knock  de  greaser  in  de  head,  and  put  hin 

•  le  vav.     Lie,  if  you  never  did  afore  such  a  ding  do." 

I  disliked  to  take  the  advice,  for  I  thought  the  question  might  a; 
well  be  met  one   time  as  another.     I   did  sot  believe  that  the  Mexican* 
'lare  to  injure  a  good  boy.  one  who  had  never  made  himself  consuici- 
<<:ept  in  ducking  the  old  ladies  and  men  in  the  surf  at  the  other 
Hut  the  people  of  San  Diego  could  never  have  heard  of  such  misfortunes, 
«nd  would  not  have  paid  much  attention  to  them  if   they  had,  supposing 
they  were  accidents  of  the  ordinary  nature. 

I  said,  turning  to  the  boy,  and  speaking  in   English,  "1 
will  not  lie  to  shield  myself  from  harm." 

•  re  de  fool  yous  be,"  he  stuttered  in  his  eagerness.     "  I  lie  for  any 
one,  and  to  save  mine  friend,  much  more  den  vot  is  good  for  me.     Do  not 
much  de  truth  speak  now." 

::or  Alcalda,"  I  said,  "  I  throw  mysell  upon  your  generosity.  I  had 
a  protection,  but  it  is  now  on  board  the  ship  Admittance.  I  forgot  that  i 
should  need  any  on  shore.  I  am  an  American,  but  not  a  dangerot.a 
one." 

"  No,  I  '11  swear  to  that,"  Captain  Fitch  remarked.  "  You  are  one  of  th,« 
nicest  boys  I  ever  saw,"  which  was  complimentary,  if  not  exactly  true. 

44  Then  you  admit,  Mr.  Alcalda,  that  I  have  the  power  to  arrest  the  gringo 
as  a  sospechoso  ?  *T  asked  Sanchos. 

"  I  do  not  deny  that  you  are  authorized  to  imprison  him  if  you  see  prop 
er.  I  shall  not  assist  in  the  act,  nor  prevent  vou.  But  I  should  adv/sti 
you  to  let  him  alone,  and  become  a  matriculadOA  ir  pi  ope/  form." 

ver,"  was  the  surly  answer.  "  He  is  my  prey,  and  tne  pain  and  hu 
miliation  of  this  wound  shall  be  repaid  by  his  punishment." 

"  1  \\iil  go  security  for  the  lad's  appearance  at  any  place,  at  any  time,  ana 
..1   Captain    Fitch.     ;t  Name  the  sum  desired,  and  I  '11 
be  responsible  for  it  to  the  last  peso." 

"  It  is  in  vain  you  plead,"  was  the  defiant  answer.  "  There  are  no  longer 
any  ro-irts  in  California,"  shouted  Sanchos,  with  a  devilish  leer  of  triumph 
on  his  black,  hairy  face. 

;at  do  you  mean  ?"  asked  half  a  dozen  of  the  most  prominent  men. 
among  them  the  alcalda. 

"This  is  what  I  mean,''  cried  the  vindictive  scamp,  as  he  pulled  a  second 
paper  fr<  n  l.U  lx>som.  "  All  the  civil  and  criminal  courts  of  California  are 
closed  by  the  order  «f  General  Caslro  and  Pio  Piorx  Martial  law  has  been 
proclaimed  from  the  north  to  the  south.  Here  is  the  pronunciamento 


/. 


gentlemen  named.     WAT  is  now  racing,  and  the  soldier  steps 

The  .  cr  in  his  usual  calm  ma  \ican> 

in  the  room  lookeJ  at  each  other  in  mute  surpr, 

ire  of  cattle  and  horses,  and  no  law  but  a  tyrant's  will,  or  o  of 

.nis  officer  placed  over  them. 

.  will  the  feast  never  be  served  ?  "  mir 
•i  ta!k,  talk,  talk,  and  the  food  is  spoiling,  we  kr.' 
"1   must  bow  to  the  will  of  the  general  and  : 
said,  rather  reluctantly,  as  I   imagined,  after  a  momjni's  ti.  The 

,:siodv  of  the  agent  of  the  government,  a:; 
him  as  !..  i,  but  I  shall   immediately  write  to  General  v. 

all  the  facts  of  the  case,  and  offering  to  be  personally  responsible  tor  the 
boy  as  long  as  lie  remains  under  my  jurisdiction.     1   \\iil  .'-.end   th< 
a  s;  with  orders  to  ride  day  and  night   until  the  general  is 

probably  in  Monterey,  so  I  can  hope  to  g:t  ar.  .  ten 

or  ;'.:  And  in   the   meantime   the  lad  shall  have  good 

treatment,  but  he  must  remain  in  the  custody  of   Don  Sanchos,  and  I  b 

.ie  and  careful  of  his  welfare." 

,  I  will  be  very  tender  with  the  boy,"  sneered  the  Mexican  scoundrel, 
••nt  all  mistakes,  shall  lodge  him  in  the  calabozo  until  I  re- 
attraction 

.1   not  dare  to  commit  him  to  prison  Captain    Fitch, 

English  in  his  excitement, 
.d  one   of   my  shipmates   to   the   calabozo!"  roared   S<  • 

I  stands  that,  you  khow.     Here  's  one  who  will  make  a   : 
•.•.alter    what    you    white-livered    Mexicans   may  do    about  the 
'  cr." 

.dcrous   right  fist,  and   let  it   fall  upon  the  face  of  the 
:  >    .    Duellos,  and  the  fellow  dropped  to  the  il 
blood  gushing  from  his  nose. 

/en  knives  were  drawn,  and  flashed  in  the  lamp  ' 

i  have  been  numbered  had  not  the  mayordonvj  of  Captain  Fitch's 

.Mislunent  struck  up  the  arms  of  the  nearest  ladrones,  gav-  vio- 

t  sent  him  reeling  from  the  room,  and  then  .  >sed  the 

door,  and  prevented  the  angry  men  from  wreaking  their   vengeance  on  the 

sailor.     U'e  heard  a  loud  altercation  in  the  entt  was    hushed. 

of  the  way,  and  perhaps  pacified  with  a 
of  grog,  or  the  promise  of  one. 


46  Lewey  and  I. 

In  the  mean  time  Lewey  and  I  had  remained  passive  spectator  of  the 
scene.  could  not  hope  for  success  in  a  contest  \\ith 

men  who  would  have  liPect  the  job  of  cutting  us  to  pieces  at  the   bidding  of 
their  leader.     Had  we  been  armed  with  rifles  and  pi  could  have 

driven  the  crowd  of  robbers  out  of  the  house  in  confusion,  for  the 
not  the  men  to  stand  before  cold  lead  and  good  in  arks  nv. 
only  our  pocket-knives,  and   they  were  useless  in  the  presence  r-( 
breeds,  who  knew  how  to  handle  long  and  keen  cuchillos  from  their  child 
hood. 

Under  these  circumstances  we  concluded  that  it  was  l.cs'  t 
>le,  although  it  cost  Lewey  a  groan  as  he  ranged  al 
me,  and  whispered,  — 

.t  much  now,  and  you  go  must,  but  don't  f»_-ar.     I  sti< 
:  nebber  kave  mine  dear  ami,"  and  Mr.  Fitch  also  took  occasion  to 
.  a  low  tone,  — 

.ike  no  resistance,  Thorn.     The  scamps  have  got  us  \\\  \ 
and  can  do  as  they  please,  but  no  one  shall  harm  you  r.t  present.     I  am  well 
-•ral  Castro,  and  will  write  to  him  all   the  facts   of  the 
case,  and  secure  your  liberation.     He  will  soon  want  some  moiu-y,  and  not 
a  dollar  shall  he  get  from  me  unless  he  complies  with  my  ; 

"Senor  Alcalda,"  asked  Sanchos,  during  a  moment's  pause,  "is  the  boy 
my  priso:. 

s,  if  you  choose  to  take  him/'  was  the  answer.     "  But    I   had  much 
rather  you    let  him  go.     I   assure   that  you  that  lie  is   harm!. 
known  to  all  o: 

;hat  I  am  the  best  judge,"  was  the  sullen  reply,  ar.  '  then    the    : 
rubbed  the  scar  on  his  hand,  and  motioned  for  li; 

that  boy,  and  tie  his  hands  so  that  he  can't  us 
'ven. 

The  ruffian »  were  only  too  glad  to  obey.     They  appro.it  hod.  v. 
narrow  strips  of  rawhide   in   their  hands,  but,  just    as  :e  about  to 

bind  me,  Jack,  the  dog,  thought  that  things  had  go  1   that 

Id  interfere.     As  one  of  the  men  attc:  secure  my  arms,  the 

animal  i;K|.  xvith  an  an  '        sharp 

teeth  in  the  neck  of  the  ruffian 

<>wer  of  his  ja 

"  Maldito  perro  do  i  is  the  exclamation. 

for  his  long  knife,  but.  before   he   could  lay  his    1  . 

i.  grasped  Jack  by  the  neck,  and  choked   him  until   he   released   his 


Lewey  and  I. 


hold,  si:  e  French   lad  hcM  the  stru. 

• 

end  ; 

.  houted    Sunchos.     "It   is    one  more  i 

aga  boto,     You  shall  be  revenged  for  this,  as  well 

my  inj;i: 

murmured  the  young  ladies  present,  ai 
no  doubt  but  th.it   they  did  pity  me,  for  their 
<  ,    it  the  cruel  treatment  I  was  receiving. 

and  held  them  behind  my  back,  \v! 
,>>n,  tied  my  hands  in   such  sh.ipe  that   I    < 

ut  into  the   flesh,  and  were  very  painful,  ; 
'.-)  see  that  I  was  suffering,  for   I   would    m>: 
such  a  triumph  as  they  counted  upon. 

\:\(\  that  he  would  like  to  punch  the  he 
rue,  but,  as  Captain  Fitch    warned  hi; 
j  be  content,  and  grumble    in   French  his  dee] 
;re. 

ive  everything  to  me,"  the  captain  said.     "  I  know  these  scov 
r  than  V'  can  manage  them   after  a  fashion.     I  will  see 

:he  calabozo,  and  you  shall  find  a  good  brcakf.i.-t  at 

asked  one  of     the   vaqueros,   turning  to  Sanchos   for 

,•  reply.     "  Lead  the  prisoner  aloru  •  that 

he  does  not  escape." 

"  Me  gi-  '•  I  no  lose  sight  of  mine  friend." 

"We  lin  Fitch  remarked.     "  I  shall   n- 

r  lock  and  kc 

He  •  his  guests,  and  said  simply,  — 

:«all  be  a1  .;  short  time." 

il  groan,  and  looked  the  consterr 
t 

•i,  "  I   shall  ord«-  the  supper  to  he  \ 
request  my  friend,  the  i 

was    ,}1C  -    ,  .,9   M  b(: 

th  hree  cher  e  wao  muttered  a 

tt  tbe  captain's  ccnsicii     I  T  huneer. 


50  Lfwey  and  I. 

Two  ot  k>.e  dirty  greasers  took  my  arms  so  that  I  could  not  bolt  and 

make  a  ran  ior  it,  and,  with  the  triumphant  Sanchos  leading  the  way,  and  a 

guard  of   iour  or  live  men,  Captain  Fitch  and  Lewev  following  in  my 

the  house   where  we    had   expected   so  much  and 

ito    the  street.     A  dozen  or  twenty   Indians  and  low,  half- breed 

Mexicans  were  hovering  near  the  door,  waiting  for  the  feast  to  be  over  so 

.he  remnants  would  be  turned  over  to  them.     They  only  s  as, 

I  the    captain  how  much  longer  they  would  have  to  hunger  for  the 

-old  viands,  the  scent  of  which  they  were  patient! .  ,  at  the  0] 

windows  and  doors  ? 

:    them   to   be  q..iet  for  a  little  while  longer,  and 
re  w  mid  be  no  lack  of  food,  and  so  passed  on.     lie 

,uid  it  was  policy  on  his  part  to  be  civil,  for  he 
j  just  then.  *  enemies  as  possible. 

re  dark,  but  the  houses  weix  and  in  some  of  them 

fan  We    could    hear    the    twanging  of  guitar..,  the 

notes  of  an  o  and  once  in  a  whi.e  the 

i    to   amuse  her    auditory  b)    a    r^ng    01    sentiment  and 

I    knew   where   the    calabozo    \\as   situated   for  I  had  seen  it  many  times 
:»  in  town.  :''id 

.  out  the   village,  \\ 

-r  ten  dollars,  j  Img   u>  the  amount  •>£ 

1  commit:     , 

•  ng,  his   bright  colored  scrape  thrown  over  his  shout 
ing  to  a  minion  who  appeared  to  be  in  hi  -nee. 

Tj,:  Mother  Carlos,  the  n,-\t 

irone   in   California.  -  ere  concocting  some  schenv:  be- 

•n  them,  but  what  it  was  I  could  r,  Bttt    I   ..uspcctal 

it  boded  nv  :.  if  the  villains  had  their 

Ivcd   at  the   prison   the  kec  .ibscnt,  and  tlu-  <>,,!>• 

15  of  life  about  the  premises  :   two  or  three 

inker*  Indians,  who  h  db  en  arrested  :"  I     Wngr  the  peace,  and  the 

next  day  .voul  1  be  flog  vork  on  the  roan1,  just  according 

to  their  pccuv. 

Som  men  were  despatched  in  sections  to  find  the  keep' 

er  wv,0.     ,  ny  with  1  ' -ndinir  n   fandan-o.  or  other 

entertainment,  and  it  v,  in  iiOW    oeioic   the   old  fellow  and  girl  could 


be  hunted  up.     When  he  d 
chai 

.  was  the  richest  person  in  S 
mon  be  had  a  point  to  carry. 

u,"  the  old   Mexican  said  to  those  who  la 
tovered  his   whereabout-.     "  \Vhy  did  you  no', 
lor  me  ?     I  cry  your  mercy, 

:,  and  open   the  door.     Whom  do  you  wish  to  I 
ia  hi.*  crime  ?     Not  murder,  I  hope." 

••  \V«i>j  than  that,"  reported  Sanchos.'   u  It  is  for  being  an  enemy  of  our 
;us  republic.     He  is  a  traitor  to   Mexico,  and  his  doom  cert.r 

l  proved  before  a  drum-head  court-mai  I 
»  may  all  the  enemies  of  Mexico  perish,"  the  old  jailor  said, 
lie  had  formerly  served  ia  the  army,  and  entertained  a  great  opinion  of 
the  republic,  and  the  responsiblity  of  his  charge. 

I,  his  only  chi!  the  heavy  door,  and  I  • 

into  the  building,  while   the  keeper  struck  a  light  with  Mint  a 
yil  1 .  hen  found,  the  wick  picked  up  until    it  smoked  vile!;. 

;->ok  at  me,  and   his  astonishment 
pressed  or. 

at  the  devil  do  you    bring  this  boy  here  for?"  he  dem.indr  ' 
bave  seen  him  a  hundred  tin.  lew  years.     I   ha\ 

ne  dinner,  because    I   v.  in   com- 

!e  is  no  enemy  to  Mexico.     If  we  are  at  war  wit 
our  great  republic  does  not  measure  weapons  with  a  mere   much 

\e  him  away,  and  God  go  with  you.'' 
ice,  you  old  fool,"  Sane!.  ;  a  stern  tone.     "  I  am 

word  here  is   law.     The  alcalda  has  cx.i: 
papers,  and  pronounced  them  correct.     There  is  no  power  i 

choose  to  exercise.     Lock  the  l»oy  up,  and 
if  he  escnpc." 

'his  true.  Sen 
or.  nthor.  th 

naturali/'-d  ritizen  of  California,  for  the  benefit 
were  of  some  magnitude. 

"  I  i-  -at  it  is  •• 

"Then  the  more  shame  for  C 

daughter,  rather  a  pretty  wirl.  to  wh-.m    I.-  little  at 

tention,  regardless  of  my  situation      I  th      -  '  I  detected  him  squee* 


Lcwfy  and  I. 


tng  her  hand,  when  no  one  was  looking,  thus  taking  a  mean  advantage  of 
me,  knowing,  as  he  did,  that  I  could  not  rebuke  him  before  the  crowd. 

"  Hold  your  tongue,  girl,"  growled  Saneh  :ro  is  a  sol 

dier,  a  patriot,  and  knows  what  lie  is  doing,  and  what  is  (or  the  best  inter 
ests  of  California.  We  want  no  spies  or  traitors  here.  Long  live  the  re 
public,  and  no  mercy  to  los  gringos,"  the  fellow  shouted,  and  his  followers 
took  up  the  cry,  and  the  drunken  Indians  in  the  prison,  thinking  thai 
was  staring  them  in  the  face,  uttered  howls  of  fear,  and  begged  for 
pardon. 

ihe  military  authorities  order  me  to  keep  a  poor  boy  confined,  I  sup 
pose  that  I  must  obey,  but  it  is  a  maldito  shame,"  and  the  jailor  cut  tht 
lashings  that  bound  my  arms,  and  then  led  the  way  to  a  small  room,  will 
grated  window,  and,  for  a  wonder,  tolerably  clean.  At  least  it  was  weK 
ventilated,  and  there  was  not  such  a  bad  smell  as  many  Mexican  prison* 
can  boast  of. 

•'  Not  in  there,"  cried  Sanchos,  seeing  that  I  was  to  have  an  apartment  «o 
myself.     "  Let  the  sospechoso  share  the  calabozo  with  the  rest  of  the  m- 
.     He  must  receive  no  favor  at  your  hands." 

"  But  the  prisoners  arc  only  Indians,  and  they  are  drunK,"  j 
jailor. 

"  So  much  the  better.     Put  the  spy  with  them,  and  keep  him  there  antil 
I  call  for  him.     On  your  head  be  his  care," and  once  more  he  gently  rubbed 
his  scar,  and  motioned  for  me  to  enter  an  apartment  that  was  hot  and  dirty, 
and  reeking  with  a  stench  that  almost  ma»!j   me  sick.     The  drunken    Indi- 
re  wandering  around  the  room,  and  howling  at  intervals,  for  the  pur 
pose  r:  ng  their  sense  of  grief   at  the  punishment  they  were  likely 
to  have  doled  out  to  them  on  the  morrow,  when  arraigned  before  thealcalda 
lx  justice.     All  of  them  were   naked,  except  breech-cloths,  and,  with  their 
hair   hanging  over  their  shoulders,  and  wild,  black  eyes,  they 
did  not  look  fitcompany  for  even  the  most  desperate  of  white  criminals,  much 
l.oy  who  had  been  reared  with  some  regard  for  Christian  principles, 
and  felt  degraded  to  have  to  associate   with  such  scum  as  was  now  before 
him. 

;'ed  the  young  »irl,  who  began  to  take  more  of  an  interest 
in  me,  all  owing  to   Lewey's  interferem  :'t   pressure  of  the  band, 

"  you  will   not  insist  that  the  muchacho  shall  occupy  the  same  room  as 
these  wild  beasts?'  looked  at   Sanchos   lx  :t   the 

Mexican  was  blind  to  her  blandishments,  and  deaf  to  her  entre.»:iv.s.     He 
bad  resolved  that  I  should  suffer  all  the  humiliations  it  was  in  his  ^uwer  to 


Lewey  and  I. 


inflict,  to  >e  j^  of  the  boat-hook,  and  nothing  seemed  to  m 

I  have  not  offered  you  monev,"  Captain  Fitch  now  said,  addre* 
Sanchus, -lor  the  reason  that  1   know  a  h.gh-toned  and  hones 
can  neither  be  bribed  nor  bought." 

m  of  contempt  and  doubt  from  Lew.y,  a  sniff  from  the  young  g 
,  of  her  head,  as  though  she  knew  that  Captain   Fitch  was  stating 
it  he  did  not  believe,  just  for  the  purpose  of  accompl.shmj 
:i  "  continued  the  captain,  B<  ng  to  Sanchos, 

:.t.    Let  the  boy  occupy  the  vacant  i 
dollars  tomorrow  morn 
senor.lu-  ith  the  Ind  .s  the  firm  rejoinder; 

,  ancl  his  fellows  coi 
They  had  come  to   San   Diego  to   make   money,  under  the  kadersbi] 

lonio,  and  here  was  the  first  char  id  seen  v 

at  the  expense  of  the  residents.     They  did  not  like  it. 
•elves  in  decided  terms  on  the  subject.     "1  -engeance,  b' 

more,  and  plenty  of  them,  and.  n< 

the  villa! 

to  turn  it  :hatheh, 

uke.     H:  iay  in  the  hold  which  he  had  on  the  men. 

—money.  ed  revenge   much  more,   l.ut  thought,   af: 

:thecoul  both,     So   he  spoke  in  a  co: 

^M  h  .ire  to  offend  so  good  a  friend  to  California  as  Senor  . 

,  us  the  lii'ty  dollars,  and  the  boy  can  remain  a  prisoner  i. 

I   spoken  well?  "turning  t 

\er*. 

i  the  unanimous  growl,  and  Lewey  once  more  sque 
the  leased  at  his  attentions,  and  c. 

him  .andsome  face,  and  that  went  a  gr 

favor     She  was  not  the  oa  rho  had  been  captivate 

•,>ngue,  for,  Frenchman-like,  he  cot 
when  he  did  not  fe 

-The  money  shall  be  paid  tor 
Sanchos'  quesUon.    "  Come  to  my  house  and  obtain  the  pesos 

fast 

I  could  only  thank  the  ca;,uin   : 
then  as  the   Indians  continued  to  howl  forth  their  complaints  am 


Lewey  and  /. 


the  jailor  gave  the  lamp  in  keeping  of  his  daughter,  took  the  end  of  a  stout 

lariat,  which  must  have  been  used  for  such  cruel  purposes,  rushed  into  the 

gan  to  thrash  the  inmates  over  every  part  of  their  bodies    Vu 

most  convenient,  -heads  or  haunches,  it  did  not  matter  much  to  the 

d  a  quiet  life,  and  was  determined  to  have  it,  unless 

>ut. 

The  Indians  dodged  from  side  to  side,  but  all  of  them  received  a  liberal 
allu  s'  and>  when  silence  was  at  length  commanded,  bleeding 

bru!-  Miserable  brutes  retreated  to    a  corner,  glowered  at 

:d  were  told  to  keep  quiet  for  the  rest  of  the  night,  or  there  would 
.other  raid  in  their  midst,  and  more  stripes. 

The   Mexicans  looked  on,  and  laughed  at  the  exhibition.     They  rather 
enjoyed  it,  for  they  had   no  pity  for  Indians,  or  any  one  else,  and,  when 
-tored,  and  Lewey  had  squeezed  the  girl  for  the  last  time.  ,,rom- 
-•   would  come  and  see  me  in  the  morning,  a  coarse  blanket 
was  thrown  into  my  cell  by  the  jailor,  a  pillow  of  straw  by  the   votm-  n\r\ 
.ts   locked  on  me,  and    I    was  left  to  my  own  reflection,   wi?h  a' 
pipe,  tobacco,  and  a  few  matches.     I  filled  the  pipe,  lighted  it,  curled  down 
1  in  the  darkness  thought  of  my  desperate  situation,  and 
:1  how  I  was  to  escape  from  it.     Again  did  I   reproach  myself  for 
.  and   casting  my  lot  amid   strangers,  but   all  through   the 
:e,  1  did  not  utter  a  murmur  against  Lc  ;;ad 

id  fell  asleep  at  last  in  defiance  of  the  fleas. 
it  was  sunrise,  the  Indians  were   quiet,  and   I   could  hear 
t  voice  of  the  .lighter,  as  she  moved  about  the   prenv 

ind   probably  thinking  of   Lewey,  his   hand-squce/irJ 
and  t.  -ices. 

ae  to  me  until  nearly  seven  o'clock,  and  then  the  girl  unlocked 
the  door,  and  looked  into  my  prison. 

•   chico,"   I    said,   -have   my  friends   been   here   to  see  me   this 

"  she  answered.     "There  is  time  enough  for  them, 
.ou  this  fine  day  ?  " 

.e  me  enough  water  to   wash  in,  and  some   to  drink?1'  I 
asked. 

into  your  cell,  will   you   swear  by  the  holy 


iuc-stion  set  me  to  thinking, 
'Ived  l<>  ke  firm,  ar,  nothing  that  would  in  the  least  CO 


Ltwey  and  7. 


plomjse    :  I   remembered   the   previous   evening 

how  Lcwev  had  obtained  an 

I,  and  lie  I 

I  said,  u  the  saint.  -n  in  ou; 

~ted,  and  D 

and  a  heretic,  but  a  just  one,  so  must  not  disdain  the 
f'ul  .';  orld.     Do  not  nwk 

shall  break  it  if  you  come  near  m- 

She  tossed  her  head  in  a  coquettish   mar: 
white,  even  teeth,  but,  as  she  did  so  managed  to 

it   you  will  promise  me  one  thing  ii  1  U  with  the 

lie  it,  senorita,"  I  < 

I  take  no  more  than  a  single  that  you  will  not,  ai 

sh*lU::r.  Ah,  u   ;  '«*<*    l    sl 

He  is  so  honest  and  good." 

then  answered.  — 
*,.  !  .uitiful   lady  like  yourself.     I 

I  will  cor 

.,;k  for  half  an  hour.     If  he  should   return, 
.edbyalv  :  a  prisoner,  he  wo,, 

self  with  two,  or  at  the  n 

S,  four.     : 
.uiion,  wl. 

a  much   mon  you,  and   not  near!;, 

be  contented  with  one,  and  think  himself   fortunate. 
.it  to  make  of  ;. 

itcr,  dulce. 

n  around  her  wai.-»t.  an-1  stol  n  half  a  dozen  '  I  hen 

the 
not 

fun    she  4,  and   he  -od  as  i 

•ck  and    shoulders  with   a  deep 
-he  ran  a -A 
But  after  a  few  mon 

a  calabash  to  wash  in.  looked  as  if  rut  from  a 

second-hand  grain  bag,  and  a  cracked  cup  to  drink  from.     Then  she  left 


T  and  /. 


me  alone  for  a  while,  to  make  my  toilet,  and,  even  before  I  had  completed 

v.e  young  lady  came  to   my  room  to  shake  up  the  blankets,  and  to  tell 

me  that  coffee  would  be  served  in  a  little   while,  and,  if   I    wanted  anything 

more  substantial,  I  would  have  to  wait  until  Captain  Fitch  sent  food  from 

i   her  breakfast  would  consist  of  tortillas  and  fruit,  am 
suppusc.i  I  was  not  accustomed  to  such  slender  repasts. 

)u  will  let  me  drink  my  coffee  in  company  with  yourself  and  father  I 
should  not  care  for  much  else,"  1  whispered,  as  she  accidentally  passed 

me. 

'•  Look  here,"  the  girl  cried,  as  she  suffered  my  arm  to  remain  around  her 

.d  gazed  steadily  into  my  eyes,  "  I  am  afraid   that  you  are  a  bold, 

man,  and    I    do  not  feel  safe    with  you  in  the   calabozo   all 

'•  You  forget  the  Indians,"  I  remarked.     "  There  are  three  o£  them  in  the 
•  room." 

e  asleep,  and  the  door  is  locked,"  was  the  prompt  reply. 
41  There  is  no  fear.     Your  padre  will  soon  arrive,"  I  urged. 

n  minutes  as  yet,  and  if   I  should  scream  who  could  hear 

..e  saints  protect  me,  but  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  be  in  the  house   all 

alone  with  a  heretic,  a  man  who  does  not  believe  in  the  church,  the  holy 

n,  and  a  candid  confession." 

'•  Y"u  can  lock  me  up  in  the  ce'l.     I  swear  to  you  that  I  will  not  resist  if 

disposed  to  do  so.     I   am  a  good  lad,  and  mean  no  harm  to  any 

one,"  I  asserted,  in  a  positive   manner,  for  I  did  not  know  but  that    she 

ittle  timid,  on  account  of  the  treatment  she  had  received,  and 

uissed  her  but  six  times,  in  the  most  innocent  manner  possible. 

said,  in  a  determined  tone,  "  I  will  not  turn  the  key  on  you. 
I  think  you  bad,  but  I  remember  that  a  prisoner  is  always  entitled   to  pity, 
so  I  can  keep  you  at  arm's  length,  and  expend  some  of  my  sympatln 
unhappy  condition  at  the   same  time,  for,  do  you  know,  I  think  I 
Sanchos  means  to  have  you  shot,  and,  if  you  should  be  killed,  I  declare   to 
the  saints   that    I   would  cry  my  eyes   out.     I   heard   the  miserable  tell  his 
ns  that  if  you  a  bullet  would  end  your  career. 

•   e  than  you.    'I  lien-  is  QO  tell- 
:  to  death,  and,  as  such  •  M  today 

;  me  just  once  for  friendship 

:kc  me  when  I 
to  count  them. 
1  know  t'.-at  you  are  bad,"  the  jailor's  daughter  remarked,  but  she 


wfy  and  I. 

effort  to  break  away  from  my  arms,  although  I  coul  . 
the  door,  as  though  on  the  watch  fin    the   : 
>,  of  her  father.     •*  Oh,  what  a  miserable  life  I  should  lea-! 
my  husband."  the  girl  remarked  suddenly. 

This  was  coming  to  close  quarters,  and  getting  a  little  more  s , 
than  I  bargained  for.     I  had  not  thought  of  the  little  girl  as  a  wife.     In 
I  had  never  spoken  to  her  until  the  night  previous.     She  seemed  disj  • 
•ish  matters  to  a  crisis,  and  win  me  in  an  off-handed  manner,  if  it 

»le. 

•*  Why  do  you  think  I  should  not  make  a  good  husband  ?  "  I  aske- 
tie  nettled  at  the  insinuation. 

She   blushed   a  rosy  red,  and    held    down   her   head,   as    she    quietly 
answered, — 

ause  you  want  to  kiss  me  all  the  time,  and,  if  we  were  man:- 
v  too  much  attention  to  other  girls  instead  of  your  wife,  whom 
>ed  saints  gave  you,  sanctioned  by  the  priest.     Oh,  I  am  afraid  wl; 
think  you  would   break  my  heart,  for   I   know  that  you  could  not  be  • 

Q  never  are.     They  don't  care  to  kiss   their  loving  little  mau    . 
men  who  are  not  their  wives." 

It  seemed  to  me  that  the  girl  was  doing  the  wooing,  and  that  I 

:nyself  en  :<>re  I  knew  it,  unless  I  was  very  cautious. 

••  Americans,"    I  said,  as  soon  as   I  could  think  of  something   to   say. 

ike  the  best  husbands  in  the  world.     They  are  constant,  always  : 
and  loving.     It  is  rarely  they  flirt." 

"  Tl  .iger  girl  cried,  as  she  put  up  her  lips  to  be  ki.v 

marry  no  one  but  an  American,  and  you  are  one." 

a  little  more  than   I  had  expected,  and  I  did  not  know  ' 
was  to  extricate  myself  from  the  difficult  position  in  which   I  found   ir. 
•,-d.  for,  as  a  general  thing,  I  would  not  advise   prisoners   in  a 

ike  an  enemy  of  the  jailor's  daughter,  if  it  :- 

her  as  a  friend.     There  are  many  chances  for  her  to  make  D  un 

comfortable  one  if  so  disposed.     All  this  I  knew,  so  did  not  feel  lik 

•he  girl's  self-respect,  or  her  maidenly  pride,  if   I    could  avoid  it. 
marriage  was  out  of  the  question,  for,  if  I  was  to  wed  ai  'jke 

little  Anit.T.  of  R.inche  Refu^io.  to  whom  I  had  pledged 

cfore.      But  the  yotinir  lady  who  was   now  stan.  •  did 

fied  to  keep  her  in  ignorance 
until  I  k-it  my  prison  a  free  man,  or  was  removed  to  some  ot! 

framing  some  masculine  storv  in  mv  mind,  so  as  to  keep  the  girl  good 


Lewey  and  /. 


tempered  and  friendly,   I   heard  heavy  footsteps  on  the  street,  near  thp 
calabozo. 

"  Go  in  your  cell,"  the  young  lady  whispered.  "  It  may  be  Don  Sanchos, 
and  if  he  should  see  you  free  would  not  like  it.  He  might  think  that  1  had 
allowed  you  to  make  love  to  me,  and  that  is  always  injurious  to  a  poor  girl's 
reputation." 

She  pushed  me  into  the  cell,  locked  the  door,  and  then  unfastet 
outer  one,  and  threw  it  open.     I  heard  a  person  enter  the  prison,  ami  s 
distinguished  the  sound  of  Don  Sanchos'  voice,  asking  in  gruff  ton*.*  about 
the  manner  in  which  I  had  passed  the  night,  and  if  I  was  safely  CO 
ilabozo. 

,v  should  I  know?"  answered  the  girl.     "I  have  much  to  do  with 
out  attending  to  the  prisoners.     The  boy  may  escape  for  all  that  I  care.     I 
am  sure  that  he  will  give  us    enough    trouble   before    he  is   dischar 
Here,  t.ike  the  key,  and  look  in  at  him  if  you  want  to,  but  see  that  he  does 
uot  rush  past  you,  and  go  clear." 

fear  of  that,"  was  the  confident  answer.     "  lie  is  unarmed,  and  I 
:ny  knife,  and  can  cut  him  to  pieces  before  he  gains  the  d. 
This  was  good  news  for  me,  for  I  had  thought  for  a  moment  of  making  a 
bold  strike  for  liberty,  but  now  I  concluded  that  I  had  better  i  .ere 

.  and  take  no  risks. 

The  ruffian  took  the  key  from  the  girl's  hand,  unlocked  the  door.  and.  rs 
•ked  up  from  my  reclining  position,  pretending  to  be  just  awakei* 
ice  of  Sanchos,  and  in  his  right  hand  he  held  a  long  knif 
if  prepared  to  use  it  in  case  I  threatened  violence. 

I  believe  that  the  scamp  would  have  rejoiced  had    I   t>] 
that  moment,  for  he  could  have  killed  me  easily,  but  I  remain- 
and  did  not  speak,  as  he  regarded  me  with  savage  joy  in  his  dark  eyes. 

i  are  still  here,"  he  said. 
I  did  not  speak. 

"C.-:  i  I  an  oso,  that   I   should  not  be  spoken  to?"  was  the 

«.     "  Do-  of  a  Yankee,  do  you  know  who  I  am  ? '' 
r  from   my   lips,  for  I  knew   that   if    I  Vv.ild  say 

•re  than  if  I  kept  silent. 
;>  into  the  c;-ll.  and    Heaven   knows  what   his   in- 

.ve  thought  how  pleasant  it  would   be   to   d 
:   into  nv.  end  his  plan  f 

forever,  or  he  may  have  desired  to  test  me,  and  see   if   I 

•and  his  wild   threats.     But,  before  Sanchos  could  further  insult  and 


Lewey  and  /.  59 


',r  return-  he  entered  the  room,  his  dai 

ter  E  \  her  hand  on  Sanchos'   shoulder,  and   pulled 

>  right  in  i  .'.     prisoners  must 

taess,  and  in  tlu  main  roor  /.her 

;  h  is  the  ! 

H  to  be  pushed  from  the  cell,  bir.  if  he 

!    old  jailor  put  in  . 
.ion. 

'.  ;sed  and  lock  is  the  kev 

. 

ointed   in    my  tliu.<:tion    several  time-.  !:  to 

;m  tlie  importance  o  .t.  and  se 

i   he   took  i    the  girl  IMH'.  !:er  . 

st  of  mff 

•lie   keyhole.     "Am  I  not  to  have  a: 
to  c  :  Am  I  to  be  left  to  st.irve 

"f the  to. 

,c  old  man.     "Your  breakfast  is  to  come  from  the 
h,     The  cooks  of 

' 
ho.     M'.  *ili  not  let  you   ! 

;  prisoner  -.lly  when  they 


for  the  enemic 

.»r,«l  not  those  who  seek 

rather  re:  onsiderin-  all  that 


.  and  not  those  who  sccl. 


:  supposed   she  kn> 

I  like  me 

• 

lover  i 

f  the  cell  where 

the   In  'heir  profound  slumbers, 

'  ie  aid  of  a  piece  of  rc.i  £  to  the  right  and  i  ^ed  by 


Leivey  and  I. 


the  sound  of  blows,  and  at  last  the  whole  gang  of  vagabonds  were 
into  the  street,  and  from  thence  to  some  court,  where  the  alcalda,  I  presume, 
passed  sentence  on  the  lot,  for  they  did  not  return  to  the  calabozo,  so  the 
place  was  free  from  their  yells  and  stench  the  rest  of  the  day. 

The  young  lady  removed  the  few  dishes,  and  was  singing  a  little  for  her 

own  ami. cement,  and  provoking  me  to    wish    that  I  was  with  her,  when  I 

heard  a  well-known  bark,  and  into  the  room  bounded  Jack,  and  following 

.  but  he  did  not  have  in  his  hands  the  breakfast  that  I  stood 

so  much  in  need  of. 

asked  the  girl,  as  Lewey  entered  the  room.  "I  was  in 
hopes  that  I  should  never  again  see  you.  Look  at  my  hand.  Gracias  dios, 
but  last  night  I  thought  you  would  squeeze  it  all  out  of  shape,  and  the  j>o- 
brecita  muchacho,  the  sospechoso,  looking  at  us  all  the  time.  Von 

>  hombre,  and  I  believe  you  to  be  bad,  very  bad." 

Confound  the  girl.     She  had  used  the  same  words  to  me.     Did  she  have 
a  regular  formula  for  all  the  young  men  she  flirted  with  ? 

"  Ali,  c.iro  mio,"  that  bad  friend  of  mine  exclaimed,  "how  could   I  help 
pressing  the  smallest  and  most  delicate  hand  in  all  San  Diego?" 

And   thirn  the  impudent  lad  put  an  arm  around  her  well-developed  wai>t, 
:ul  kissed  her  lips  a  dozen  times  or  more,  before  he  stopped 
to  take  breath. 

.1  little  more  than  I  could  endure.     It  was  bad   enough  to  be  a 

prisoner,  but  to  be  confined  in  a  cell,  and  peek  through  a  large  keyhole,  and 

s»  friend  kissing  a  pretty  girl,  one  whom  you  thought  a  litllc 

spoony  i^;lf,  was  altogether  too  much.     I   kicked  at  the  door,  and 

yelled  li!;e  one  of  the  drunken  Indians  the  night  before. 

flouted  indignantly,  "is  that  the  way  you  show  your  f: 
ship  ?  ne  !     Or  are  you  lost  to  all  sense  of  honor  ?  " 

Instead  of  replying,  and  desisting  from  his   detestable  exhibition,  the 
Freru  ly  winked  one  of  his  blue  eyes  in  my  direction,  and  then  re 

newed  ul,  confound  the  girl,  she  seemed  to  like  it,  for  I 

her  murmur  in  very  low  tones, — 

.;'iai«I  you  are  a  bad  man.     I  don't  believe  your  friend  would  be 
ich  improprieties." 

'•    the   little   coquette.     She  was    repeating   the   very  words  to 
u  she  had  used  to  me  only  an  hour  before. 

>iod  man  like  me,"  the  most  perfidious  of  friends 
,  not  the  same  devoted  lover  I  would  be.     He  kisses  a  q;irl,  ar 
n-  r.     I  never  forget  the  sweet  face  of  a  women  I  love,"  and  then 


Lewey  and  I.  61 


or  some  more,  and  the  sight  nearly  drove  me  frantic.     Once 
more  I  kk;  .      .  1  yelled  out  a  strong  pro- 

France.''  I  cried,  "let    me   out  of  this  so  that  1  can  \  uncn 
your  head.     Is  this  the  friendship  that  you  profess  for  me?  " 

kc  ia  Kngiish,  so  the  girl  did  not  understand  me,  but,  even  if  I  ha«t 
ied  her  in  the  native  tongue,  I  don't  believe  that  she  would  ha. 
any  attention  u>  me,  for  the  lady  only  clung  the  closer  to  Lewey,  an 
i  to  lisp,  — 

'lould  be  fearful  if  you  were  my  husband.  I  don't  believe  thv  i 
would  be  true  and  constant.  You  might  flirt  with  other  women,  and  break 
mv  h 

This  was  a  little  too  much  for  human  endurance.     I  wondered  how  m.iny 
more  men  she  had  spoken  to  in  the  same  way,  and  with  the  like  tokens  of 
e  the  heavy  oak  door,  studded  with  spike-heads,  a  desper 
ate  kick,  and  said,  in  a  tone  of  deep  contempt, — 

ih  !  don't  you  believe  a  word  she  says,  Lewey." 
i  attendin'  to  dis  ding,"  was  the  consoling  reply.     "  You  attends  to 
your  business,  and  I  look  arter  mine.     You  keeps  cool,  and  goes  to  sleep, 
and  not  roar  like  von  calf  vot  is  hungry,"  and  then  the  wretch  took  another 

.nd  squeezed  the  girl  a  little  more  energetically. 

"  I  am  one  of  those  men,"  said  the  scamp,  speaking  to  the  girl  in  Span 
ish,  •'  that  loves  once  and  forever.  With  such  a  little  beauty  as  you  for  a 
\\ife  what  more  could  a  man  desire?  I  should  not  care  to  look  on  a: 

•it  you,  to  kiss  no  one  but  you,  and  thus  we  could  go  through  life, 
hand  in  hand,  and  never  a  word  of  dissention  between  us." 

.M  not  repress  a  c;roan  at  hearing  such  heartless  lying  from  a  young 
man  who  had  French  blood  in  his  veins,  and,  consequently,  thought 
Lint  and  becoming  to  make  love  to  every  pretty  face  that  crossc  ! 
'  >  different  from  me  that   I   wondered  why  he  had  not  learned  a 

more  correct  course  of  conduct. 

14 O  you  wretch,"  I  cried  through  the  keyhole,  "stop  your  yarns  and  love- 
.     You  make  me  sick  with  such  stupid  lies,"  while  the  young  girl 
seemed  to  place  full  confidence  in  all  he  said,  and  actually  put  up  her  lips  for 
an  extra  k  the  pretty  words  he  had  uttered. 

be  said,  "  I  could  love  you  much  better  than  your  friend.     He  is 
•ocolii  t.in?.   and   pays   no  attention   to   the  young  girls  that  h« 

meet 

Thus  w.is  ^tor> -teller  as  the  Frenchman, 

I  thought  the  pair  well  matched- 


62  Lewey  and  /. 


"  He  is  an  Americano,"  Lewey  said  in  a  tender  tone.  "  He  belongs  to  a 
country  dat  is  cold  as  its  religion.  The  Americanos  are  like  ice,  which 
you  never  saw,  and  can  form  no  idea  of.  Vhen  dey  talk  of  love  a  fire  is 
needed  to  heat  their  words  or  they  would  freeze.  But  a  Frenchman  is  as 
de  sun  at  noonday,  and  as  such  he  alvays  remains." 

"  If  you  keep  on  that  way  much  longer  I  shall  need  no  breakfast,"  I 
exclaimed.  "  As  it  is,  I  'm  sick  at  my  stomach  hearing  such  trash  as  you 
utter.  Let  up  on  the  love-making  business,  and  get  me  out  so  that  I  can 
have  a  share." 

"  Mine  friend/'  asked  Lewey,  "do  you  dink  I  'm  doing  all  dis  to  please 
mineself  ?  " 

'•  Well,  it  looks  confoundedly  like  it  as  far  as  I  can  judge,"  I  answered. 
"  At  least  you  might  have  the  decency  to  get  out  of  the  range  of  the  key. 
hole,  so  that  I  cannot  see  all  that  is  going  on  before  me.  Now  I  under 
stand  the  value  of  your  friendship.  It  is  to  kiss  pretty  girls,  and  keep  me 
locked  up,  so  that  I  can't  have  a  show.  For  shame  on  you.  I  would  not 
treat  you  in  such  a  scurvy  manner." 

"  If  you  dinks  I  puts  mineself  to  all  dis  trouble  for  de  sake  of  de  fille  you 
is  mistaken  much,'' Lewey  said.     "  It  is  for  your  good  dat   I  does  all  dese 
mean  din^s,"  and  then  he. kissed  the  girl  again,  because  she  expected  it, 
and  the  fellow  did  not  seem  to  shrink  from  the  task,  as  though  it  was  a 
'Ac  one. 
is  kissing  the  girl  going  to  help  me  ?  "  I  asked. 

"You  vill  va>t  and  see.  All  in  good  time.  I  does  much  for  mine  ami, 
ind  I  gets  no  danks  for  it,  so  it  appears." 

Just  at  this  moment  two  peons  appeared  with  a  basket  that  contained  a 

pot  of  hot  coffee,  some  bread,  and  cold  meats,  all  sent  from  the  kitchen  of 

Captain   Fitch.     The  lovers  separated,  and  the  girl  took  the  key  of  my 

:nd  unlocked  it,  and  then  Lewey  threw  his  arms  around  my  neck,  and 

embraced  me. 

.  ;rk  as  hard  as  ebber  I  can  for  you,"  he  said.     "  Ah,  vot  vould  not  I 
do  for  yoi: 

not  feel  good-natured,  so  failed  to  respond  to  his  greeting  as  readily 
as  I   i  ••:  done.     I  had  seen  too  much.     Besides,  the  girl  was  dis 

tant  and  cold,  and  seemed  like  a  different  person  from  the  one  I  had  joked 
with  in  the  morning.  She  treated  me  more  like  a  prisoner,  as  though  re« 
•  to  show  her  power. 

"  Now  eat  your  breakfast,"  my  friend  said,  "  and  den  ve  vill  smoke  our 
pipes,  and  talk  of  de  dings  dat  vill  interest  us.  You  is  in  a  bad  vay,  but  ve 


Lt~i.'t-y  and  /.  63 

tor  de  best.     I  s  is  a  vile  man,  and  vants  your  life, 

'-,-n  Fitch  send  a  courier  oi'f  clis  bery  ni  lie  vile  to  Gen* 

;  ia  do  de  same,     iiut  drink  your  coffee,  and  not 

ill  vie  time." 

I  had  not  spoken  a  word,  except  to  the  dog  Jack.     The  animal  was  so  de» 
.  to  see  me  that  I  had  bestowed  more  attention  on  him  than  Lewey. 
cr,  as  I  was  hungry,  and  the  breakfast  was  a  good  one,  I  soon  fin* 
ished  it,  then  lighted  my  pipe,  and  prepared  for  a  long  talk. 

-.ericano  must  go  into  his  cell  again,"  the  girl  said,  as  soon  as 
the  peons  had  departed  with  the  basket  and  dishes.     ••  It  is  against  the 
rules  of  the  prison  for  any  one   to  be  here,  except  the    keepers  and 
ra." 

•iked,  and  whispered,  — 

ive  her  to  me.    I  understand  vomen,  and  you  don't,    You  bellevei 
.ou.    But  me,  bah!  I  discounts  ninety  per  cent,  and  den 
-  a  little  profit." 
He  turned  to  the  girl,  and  put  on  a  sweet  smile,  as  he  sai 

•n  y  friend  must  go  into  de  cell,  I  shall  follow,  for  I  have  much  to  tell 
him.     Think,  caro  mio,  of  locking  us  both  up,  vhen  ve  can  be  more  com- 

!)le  here,  and  we  swear  d.u  no  effort  shall  be  made  to  esca 
The  .  .w  that  there  w.is  no  chance  for  a  further 

.inge  a  few  words  with  him  while  in   th^ 

•  >m,  but  none  if  lock-,-!  up,  readily  consented  to  break  the  rules, 
:hat  if  any  one  should  come  to  the  door  I  could  run  to  my 
;he  key  turned,  and  was  not  to  come  out  until  all 

passed.  Phil  suited  us,  and  we  readily  agreed  to  it,  for  we  did  not  know 
when  Sanchos  would  again  drop  in  to  see  how  I  was  enjoying  my  imprison 
ment. 

•••r  our   pipes  were  lighted,  "you  vill  understand 
ve  to  de  girl.'' 
-  !  ta  .«!  nothing  of  the  kind."  I  as- 

ou  listens  to  me  in  patience,  and  not  sco\\l  like  a  pi- 
.     In  de  iust  place,  you  is  IK: 

"  Confound  you,  I  know  that  well  enough  without  \,- 
DAT  arc  some  peoples  dat  lias  to  !  c  : 
den  (ley  M..  ,<1  much.     Now  out  ol  >   bery 

••  I    can    understand  all  that.     Cut   how  is  it  to  be  accomplice  I 
asked  eagerly. 


Lcu'ty  and  j. 


,  here  comes  in  de  finesse  of  de   vise  man.     You  may  have  noticed 
d<it  I  m  ike  a  little  love  to  do  fille  ?  " 

it  puff  of  smoke  from  my  pipe  was  the  onlv  answer. 

.  you  .Lit  1  does  it.     She  now  dinks  .:al  I  vants  : 

ry  her.     1  let  lu-rdiak  so  cb  ich,  but  I  is   no   iou.     I   is  a  French 

man,  and  knows  bery  veil  vot  1  talks  ^buut.  Tonight dar  is  one  big  fandan- 
in  do  town,  and  de  jailor  go  see  it,  ana  dance.  All  de  old  men  do  dat, 
and  tie  older  dey  am  de  more  dey  like  it,  if  dey  has  a  bonne  rille  to  squeeze 
for  de  partner.  He  no  hab  vifc,  and  he  sure  to  go.  I  tell  de  daughter  to 
stay  at  home,  and  I  come  see  her,  and  court  her  much.  Den  \  promise  her 
ebeiyding  if  she  let  mine  friend  out,  and  siie  vill.  I  knows  de  vomen,  and 
jii.^t  voi  dey  vill  do.  If  she  no  consent,  1  take  U-.  key,  an  I  unlock  de  door, 
and  a 

it  how  sh.ill  we  get  away  from  the  town  :  '    1    i  kol. 

jber  you   minds.     I  take   cares  of  all  d.it.     Vbnct    >ut  of  dis  place, 

and   Sanchos    and   his  gang  no  lookin' on,  I  find  de  \v.  •.     \'ou 

s  all  to  me,  and  no  hint  to  dc  girl  dat  I  am  not  a  good  boy,  and  means 

all  dat  I  says.     Ah,  mon  ami,  I  does  much  for  your  sake,  and   many  disa- 

>!e  dings. 
••  Does  Captain  Fitch  know  of  your  designs  ?"   I  asK 

s.     He  talk  vid  me  all  dis  mornin'  on  de  subject,  and  he  laugh  and 

Nice  man  dat,  and  see  groat  vav  ahead." 
"  Hut  where  are  we  to  go  if  I  make  my  escape  ?  "  I  questioned. 

•  le  hide-house." 
"  Why,  that  is  the  very  place  they  would  seek  for  us,"  I  remonstrated. 

I    know,   and   Captain   Fitch   know,"  was    the    con  ,\er. 

it  hide-house  Sanchos  and  his   men  no  dare  to  come  if 
I 

'tch  Jack,  what  will  he  have  to  offer  on  thr  sul.j.Ti  ?  "  I   asked, 
•  was  important  that  the  master  of  the  hide-house  should  'PC  with  us,  and 
help  protect  us. 

Dis  mornin' he  vake  up  all  sober,  and  den  him 

i»ig  drink   of  agu.inliento.  an-1    tt-11    him  t«»  ^  !•>  '!••  beach,  an-1    •_;»  t  all 

us  toni-ht.  ari'l  he  sw-nr  d.if  he  vi!l   blow  «i  tscr 

^  near  him.     De  povi-rnnvn*   is  bourr'  .  to 

City  of  ail  f..ri-i-ners  in  case  of  var,  and  dar  is  vhere   vc   vill 

. 

1  trm>  >  or  is  it  a  bit  of  Im 
•ain  Fitch  say  dat,  and  not  me.     He  know  eberyding,  so  I  »'p»se  it 


Lew* 


is  true.     H  :  ne  ding  more.     Do  alc.i 

.  here   in   do   country,  .uid  d.it  h«  h.is  sent  . 
dat  ve  has  announced   our  detcrmi:, 

Uat  is  bad,  but  one  oath  dat   you  no  iuie:.  p  much    no   hurt 

1C,  much  less  you  and  me.     Ve  forget  him  iu  a  1. 

•  \Vliat  does  Captain  Fitch  advise  on  the  subject  ?  '' 

••  lie  vink  one  eye,  and  say  it  is  good  for  us;  much  belle: 

v  by  de  rascal  Sanchos,  and  his  men.     DC  alcnKU  co: 
arternoon,  and  nuke  you  take  de  oath,  and  sign  de  paper.     Only  dink,  in  a 
.  be  full-grown  greasers.     Yes,  ve  must   uk  .r,  and 

best  ve  can." 
••  The  n.itli  you  mean,  Lewey.'1 

5,  I  s'pose.     I  swear  all  de  day  if  dey  vant  me. 
do,  nviv  -,  de  party  vot  is  strongest   vants   j  .d  den 

.  :il  hab  n<  • 
I  th>  matter  over  for  a  while,  and  at  last  concluded  to  je 

us  tiie  preliminary  for  full  citizenship,  which  COti  lished 

lime,  il  we  were  persistent  in  our  demands  for  th«  \  i 

1  M  I         I  . 

At  the  same  time  there  was  one  .vlvantage  in  being  mati;  \\'e 

could  *>xhii)it  our  certificates  in  any  part  of  Cilifornia.  and  take  up  a  section 

of  land,  five  m!l-  s  square,  if  we  desired  as  much,  and  set'le  on  it,  and,  after 

time,  receive  a  clear  title  from  the   .\K  vernmcnt.     The 

s  mafic  were   the  usu-il  ones.—  element  on   the 

-.tin    and   tattle.     California,  at  the  tin. 
• 

on.  an-'  .-:n  away  were  the  best   in   the    world,  r.- 

or   tlu-   Anvrican.  with    tablelau 

.ne  on  thousands  of  n>ds  that  was 

for  m..  rid  the  onl\  •  over- 

it  there  v. 

not  si;  selected,  but  the  United 

,me  of  t:  n  tlie 

Ameri 

• 

•    :     ' 

(>f  n, >  .?•      i  hen  .iatorf 


66  Lewey  and  I. 


hungered  fur  farms  which  did  not  belong  to  them,  and  they  scooped  in  all 
that  they  could  lay  their  hands  on,  and  proved  by  and  perjury  that 

they  possessed  old  Mexican  grants,  and  sometimes  the  commissions  \ 
them. 

All  of  these  things,  or,  rather,  the  advantages,  passed  through  my  mind, 
and  I  said  that  I  would  matriculador,  or  sign  what  the  alcalda  required.  I 
had  hardly  given  my  consent,  when  we  heard  some  one  at  the  door,  and  I 
darted  into  my  cell,  and  the  girl  locked  me  up,  and  then  gave  Lewey  a  kiss 
before  she  admitted  the  new-comer,  who  was  no  less  a  person  than  the  al 
calda,  accompanied  by  Don  Sanchos,  the  latter  to  see  that  I  took  the  oath 
of  allegiance  in  proper  form,  and  signed  my  name  to  the  same. 

Lewey  exchanged  a  few  words  with  the  new-comers,  and  then  the  official 
ordered  the  young  girl  to  unlock  my  cell,  and  cc  nduct  me  to  his  presence. 
Sanchos  scowled  at  me  as  I  entered  the  room,  and  looked  the  disappoint 
ment  that  he  appeared  to  feel,  for  h«  had  not  supposed  I  would  take  the 
steps  I  did  to  secure  myself  from  his  persecution.  To  be  sure,  he  could 
keep  me  imprisoned  until  General  Castro  was  heard  from,  but  he  had  no 
power  to  have  me  shot  or  hanged,  without  a  formal  trial,  and  that  he  was 
not  disposed  to  do,  as  he  knew  nothing  could  be  proved  against  me,  and  his 
of  my  being  a  spy  must  fall  to  the  ground. 

••  Well,  muchacho,''  the  alcalda  said,  "  I  understand  that  you  desire  to 
matriculador.  The  Senor  Fitch  thinks  you  had  better  do  so,  and  I  can  see 
no  objections." 

44  Let  him  understand  one  thing,"  interrupted  Sanchos,  with  an  evil 
glance.  "  If  he  registers  he  will  be  liable  to  military  duty,  and  have  to 
serve  with  the  Mexican  army  if  called  upon,  or  be  treated  as  a  traitor  to  the 
State/' 

.11  have  to  act  against  the  forces  of  my  own  country  ?  "  I   asked,  a 
little  staggered  by  the  information. 

"Yes,  just  as  freely   as   a   Mexican-born  citizen,"   was    the    alcalde's 
•-•r. 

"Vot  care  you?"  whispered  Lewey,  in   English      "You  no  shoot  veil 

'i  to  harm  any  one.     Me  !     Oh,  I  swear  to  anydin^  ven  it  suits  me  to 

do.     Let  us  get  out  of  dis.  and  trust  to  de  good  luck  for  de  next  time.     You 

hear  me  make  de  love  to  dc  girl,  and  dell  her  strange  Veil,  dat  is 

vorse  much  dan  takin*  one  stupid  oath,  vot  no  one  cares  W." 

': at  are  you  sa  Led  Sanchos,  speaking  lo  the  free-thinking 

French  boy,  suspicious  of  words  which  he  could  not  underst 

"  I  tell  him  dat  I  vill  take  dc  oath  at  de  same  time,"  was  the  prompt  aa- 


Lf.vey  and  /.  67 


•wcr.     "  Vol  care  I?    A  Mexican  is  as  brave  and  good  as  a  Frenchman  or 
Yankee  any  ti: 

Sanchos  was  not  quite  satisried  with  the  explanation,  but  he  grunte 
approval  of  the  sentiment,  while  the  a! 

ourt  of  justice   th.it  the   words  were 
.:>;jroval  in  any  part  of  the  world. 

11  take  the  oathj''  I  said,  but  resolved  to  make  a  mental    reser 
ople  should  be  injured  by  the  course  which  I  wai 

life. 

Kluced  his  papers,  and  then    1 

hands,  swore  that  we  would  bear  allegiance  to  Mr  do  all  thai 

could  to  confound  her  enemies. 

.•r.i,  and  the  deed  is  done,"  the  official  said. 

The  jailo  ter  produced  pen   and   ink,  after  some  little  trouble, 

showing  that  •  seldom  used  at  the  calaboz<  the  titk 

d  prisoners,  and   then  the  alcalda  arose,  and 
out  to  the  new  candidates  for  citizenship,  or  a>  soon  as  we  had 

ir  names  to  the  document  he  did  so. 
-May  you  defend  the  honor  of  Mexico  as  rear 
vhe  courr  v'lich   you   formerly  belonged."  the  official   said,  an 

lid  not  do  so  with  much  gusto.      I 
the  as  a  good  joke,  and  even  smiled  and  winked  ut  the  girl, 

,  it  no  one  was  watching  him. 

u  concluded,  Senor  Al  -ked  Sanchos,  as  soon 

official  had  finished  his  pretty  little  speech. 

..f  his  thin,  dark  hand. 

I  few  woids,  for  they  are  important,"  and  the  scoundrel 
.•id   then  caressed  the  scar  on 

18  full  of  meaning.     "The  i '  >n- 

\'       CO,     They  hav  uladors. 

,;cred  under  the  laws  of  the  State  and  COUP. 

,.  certainly,  senor.     Hut  what  then  ?"  1   the  alcalda,  look 

• 

nor  Alcalda.     Read  one  more  paper  t'  the  honoi 

not  deem 

,esent  it  last  night,  wlu      :  certain 

I  suspected  j  *cn  place,  and 

wished  for  the  result." 

The  alcalda  opened  the  document,  and  from  it  we  learned  that  the  trusty 


LL  .  /. 

and  1>  i  Antonio  Sanchos  w.is   empowered   t- 

gather  the  a:.!e  bo. lied  Mexicans  he  might  (It 

lect,  enroll  them  in   the  army,  and  forwaid  them  to 
pos>  linst  the  treacherous  los  Americafl 

tunner.      \Ve   s.i\v   tiie  trap  into  wi.ich  wo  had  f.illen,  but  it 
•r   retreat.     Tiie  fellow  had  drawn  us  along  for  his  own  pur 
poses,  and  now  we  were  in  his  power  more  linn  ever,  lor  the  State   \s 

irtia!  law,  and  Sanchos  was  its  representative  in  San    Diego,  all  civil 
cour  -  -t  aside  for  the  time  being. 

>t  take  the  boys  away  from   liiis  place,  would    you?"  the 

returned  the  paper  to  Us  owner. 

this   document   correct?"  Sandu  :u»t  heeding  Ike  question, 

and  tapping  the  paper  with  the  fingers  of  his  maimed  hand. 
"  It  is,"  was  the  quiet  answer. 

1  you   acknowledge   the   power  that  it  gives   me?"  the    scoundrel 
demar. 

re  throw  n  >  impeilinients  in  your  course.     You  are  su 

preme  hrro,   un.lcr   martial    law.      I    must   obey,   or  "resign    my  office,"  tha 
alcalda  said. 

"'l"i.  ill   not  do,  for  I  forbid  it,  and,  if  you   should  persist,  I  will 

;w  of  ihe  State,  and  forward  you  to  Monterey  for  trial. 

-.in*!  me." 

-silent,     lie  saw  that  he    had  an  unscrupulous  vil!.. 

deal  with,  and  d-_sired  to  save  his   own   life,  and   that    of    his    friends.      1'e- 
•.he  alc.d.h  was  a  rirh  man,  and  knew  wh.it  it  v;as  to  be  squc'  . 

te.      He  did  not  desire  to  los>-   an\  thing   he   hekl 
most  dear  just  for  t!,-  rin^oboys.      I  U-  \voii!d   h.ive    he! 

Langer  to  himself,  JUftt   because   he   was    naturally  kind- 
;  <  ' aptain  Filch,  \\ho  really  had  an  interest  in  us. 

At  this  i::  jailor  returnei  to  his  charge,  bavfig  l»i-e:i   • 

.'I  the  morning  with  the  neighbors,  and  to  him   the   military  agent  ad 
i  , 

up,  and  see  that  they  do  not  escape.     I   shall  In.; 
responsible   for   I  ,"  Sanchoa  said,  pc>i;,!ii, 

.  to  impr  .  a  little  anxious 
-  hr-;t  tinr-  during  the 

•id  your  f:  the  Mexican    army.      In 

d)  have  in  i"   .tiding  you   to   headquarters,  at 


/Vrro-  :i*ni  I.  69 

ur  in  all  < 

. 

ltd  hand. 
.  think  thai  you  \\ti  .  <>u  in- 

upon  me  at  San  Francisco  ?'  ^mchos.    *•  Di 

I  led  my  hair,  and  landed  my  head,  in  the  i 

i  I  wish  that  I  had  been   ten  times   more  rude."  was   the  frank 
of  the  French  lad.      ••  \Ve  let  you   off   too 
Another  chance  you  shall  not  escape  so 

•  you  threaten    me,   you    French  dog?"  asked   Sanchos,  and. 
.ied  a  blow  at  the    Hushed  face  of  m\  : 
but    \.<    .  icd   on   the  dark  v. 

•  ••..-       : 

»-e  fallen  had  he  not  caught  at  the 
I'.ut  .:         in  h.id  recovered  him.vjli".     He  reach' 

i:ed  in  the 

•:  iend  to  the  he  nt  if  the  ;. 
i(    lier   countryman 

tad  in-,  loun,  so  i.,.»t  lie  coold  D 

lici  lather,  — 

<:k  the  muchacho  in   his  cell,  and   put    the   ,\ey  in 
•  i  d»)  not  there  will  be  murder  commit' 
.e  .situaf  •  •  did    the    . 

Aild,  maildened   Frenchman,  and  dragged  him 
..ml  then  the  jailor  tunu  ,ie  for 

llie  ti  .  -s  uttering  fearful  0 

vhcn  the  proper  time  arrived,  and  thus  cursing  left  I'.. 
•Aith  his  associates. 

the  fellow  left  the  prison,  in  com 
pany  wiih  the  a.  I  could  vip  him  vid  one  hand,  if  he  no  use  de 
knife.  You  know  it  vas  his  bruddcr  Carlos  dat  fire  at 

is  on  dc  vay  to  San  Diego.     I  hear  'em  talk  it  obcr,  at.  :;cbos  scold 

no  s!ji>.«-.  t.  and  it  vnuld  hab  been  much  bet- 

drr." 

I    t!'  ,    yet   did    not   express    my   sentiments   in    the 

manner. 


Lewey  and  /. 


you  trust  to  me,"  tli2  confident  Lewey  exclaimed.  "  I  do  much  for 
you.  I  eben  make  love  to  de  girl,  and  you  see  how  I  succeed  ven  I  com 
mences.  Oh,  yes,  I  throws  mineself  avay  for  you,"  and  the  boy  sighed, 
then  lighted  his  pipe,  and  we  had  a  good  smoke,  and  went  to  sleep  for  an 
hour  or  two. 

During  the  afternoon  Captain  Fitch  called  to  see  us,  and  advised  us  to 
be  patient,  for  he  had  great  hopes  of  buying  our  discharge  from  military 
service,  and,  when  Lewey  hinted  to  him  that  we  intended  to  effect  our  es- 
sape  that  very  night,  and  make  the  best  of  our  way  to  the  hide-house,  he 
did  not  offer  any  objections,  except  to  say  that  he  could  not  furnish  us  with 
horses,  as  such  an  act  would  be  equivalent  to  bringing  down  the  wrath  of 
<:hos  and  his  gang  on  his  head.  We  would  have  to  travel  on  foot,  and 
then  he  recommended  that  we  get  on  board  an  American  vessel,  and  leave 
the  coast  as  soon  as  possible.  He  would  forward  our  money  to  any  point 
we  might  designate,  or  give  it  to  us  in  doubloons  at  the  hide-house,  pro 
vided  we  succeeded  in  reaching  the  place  in  safety. 

This  we  agreed  to,  and  then  the  gentleman  promised  us  some  dinner  at 
five  o'clock,  and  left  us.  He  sent  the  food,  as  agreed  upon,  and,  after  he 
had  partaken  of  all  we  wanted,  we  lighted  our  pipes,  and  waited  for 
darkness. 

ould  hear  the  old  jailor  dressing  for  the  fandango,  and  urging  his 
Jiter  to  go  with  him,  but  she  complained  of  a  dolor  de  cabeza,  and  so 
excused  herself.  Then,  with  directions  to  keep  an  eye  on  the  prisoners, 
the  old  fellow  ambled  off,  and  the  young  girl  commenced  singing,  to  show 
that  she  had  her  own  thoughts  for  company,  and  did  not  desire  anything 
better. 

"Now,  mine  ami,  you  shall  see  de  sacrifices  dat  I  makes  for  you,"  and, 

•i£  his  mouth  to  the  keyhole,  Lewey  commenced  sighing  forth  the  most 

ardent  protestations  of  love  that  the  young  girl  had  ever  listened  to  in  her 

rt  and  uneventful  existence,  and,  confound  the  fellow,  he  put  so  much 

life  in  his  prayers  that  I  believe  he  rather  liked  it,  and  thought   it   not  such 

disagreeable  work  as  he  pretended. 


CHAPTER   III. 

LEWEY    MAKES    LOVE,   AND   QUITE   SUCCESSFULLY.  —  I  'HOS    PAYS 

US     A     VISIT,     AND     IS     CAUGHT     IN'    A     TRAP.— A      GALL  IT     IX 

XVMICM    OUR   DOG   TAKES  PART.  —  ESCAPE  FROM  THE  CALABOZO.  —  A 

:     TO    THE    HIDE-HOUSE   BY   THE  .  —  AN    ATTACK, 

I     WHK  ||      JA  ..  —  INDIGNANT     SAILORS 

AND     KANAKAS.  —  THE    KIRK.  —A    RETRO- 

'  TVyf  Y  little  darling,"  sighed  Lewey  through  the  keyhole,  "does  she  hear 
<L  **  me  ?  does  she  still  think  of  the  yo;i  who  loved  her  from 

the  first  time  he  let  his  eyes  fall  upon  her  beautiful  fa 

Then  the  lad  turned  to  me,  and  said,  — 

"  All  dis   I  docs  for  your  sake.     It  is  no  pleasure  for  me  to  lie  so  to  any 
voman." 

"Goon,*1  I  remarked.     "  Lying  comes  to  you  so  naturally  that  there  is 
no  fear  "i  y.ur  injuring  yourself  in  my  estin 

please.     Perhaps  the  girl  can  be  induced  to  believe  you.     But  I  do  not  see 
fcow  it  is  to  benefit  us." 

.  t  and  see,  mine  friend.     D.u  girl  vill  let  us  out  of  dis  place,  or 
know  nothin'  I  of  de  female  heart." 

Once  more  he  whispered  through  the  keyhole,  and  said,  — 
iro  chico,  arc  you  listening  to  m<- 

«  Yes,"  she  answered.      ••  I  hear  -ill  thai  ;  on  say,  but  no  words   that   you 
utter  can  induce  me  to  unlock  the  door  of  your  cell.     My  father  has  • 
den  it." 

"  Ah,  beautiful  one,  what  is  a  father  to  a  devoir  :  :rn  to  once 

more  kiss  your  hand,  to  smooth  the  tresses  of  your  luxuriant  1... 
into  your  eves,  so  biack  and  brilliant,  to  feel  .  •  breath  on  my  face," 

and  then  Lewey  turned  to  me,  and  asked  in  a  low  tone,  — 


•"or  puttin'  on  de  tenderness  ?  " 

•  but  think  of  your  soul." 

de  soul  now.      It  am  ri.-  .m  dinkin' 

and   cnce   ra  v  turned   his   attention   to  the   girl,  who  still  hovered 

ough  there  was  a  certain  fascination  in  its  vicinity. 

"I  thought  th.it    I   should   never   marry."  Lewey  COntiou     1,  still   speaking 
.  .ind  whispering  through  the  keyhole,  "  lit;'  no\v    I    IK  . 

•  in  never  be  happy  unless  in  your  pres;  ,.  «-.     Ah.  d 
but   unlock    the    door   so   that    I    could    be    with    you    for   a 

'.lie  girl  replied. 

fear.  O  best  of  women  ?"  was  the  next  question.     "  1   love 

you.     My  friend   is  asleep,  and  hears   me  not.     He  knows  nothing  of   the 

I  am  addressing  you.     Let  me  press  your  hand  but  for  a  moment,  and 

then  I  shall   sleep    in    peace.     Your  heart  is  not  like  stone  to  withstand   my 

"if  I    shoul-1   let  you  out   will  you  return  to  the  cell  when    I  bid  you  do 
:!>e   girl   asked,  and    I    knew  that  the  smooth-tongued  h\ 

•:•    I    l.-'urd   the  girl  remove  the  key  of  the  cell  from  its 
accustomed  place. 

"  I  verything   to  one   so   beautiud  as  you,"  was   the   response. 

let   me   remain   in    your  present' 
and  dreary  when  absent  from  your  side." 

all  the  liars  that  I  ever  heard  you  are  t!.e  worst."  I  i..  \viiis- 

]>ut  into  the  lock  by  the.  deluded  girl. 
it  up,  and  pretend  to  snore,  for  no  girl  like  love  to  her  1,.-  mad-1 

to  dc  pretty  talk,"  my  friend  remarked,  an  :. 
advice.  I  gave   vent  to  some  unmusical-like  sounds  as  ti 

>cn. 

"Come  out,  kiss  me   just    once,  and  then   return   to  the  eel!,"  t!: 
whispered. 

re  was  no  second  invitation  needed.     Lewcy  rushed   to  her.  en! 

irms,  then  I  heard  some  vigorous  salutes,  and  but  iV-.v  >trug- 
vent  them. 

"H      "."cried   the   girl.     "Your  companion  will   awaken,  and   whit  will 
he  think  ?" 

mswercd  the  boy.  "  He  is  a  cold  blooded  Amerii  an.  and 
cares  nothing  for  the  beautiful  girls  of  your  nation  Do  not  fe;<r.  A  1  the 
kissing  In  the  world  would  not  awaken  him." 


:    and  /  73 


fie   is    not  hold   a.. 
ward  like  you.     I  think  he  won!. I   marry  me  if  he  had   the  chance,"  I  h 

r  her  breath. 

rtSUTy  .1  m.m  like  him,  when   you    can   < 
j  the  conceit  of  the 
aick  him,  I  fcit  so  indignant. 

re  me  as  a  wi;e  if  you  knew  me  betti; 
.  in  a  coquettish  tone,  and,  I  supposed,  toss  of  her  h< 
I  doubt  me  ?     I  am  a  Frenchman,  and  a  son  of  France  nc  . 
ceives  the  fair 

.  when  should  you  want  to  marry  ?  '*  asked  the  i^irl.  who  was  a  prac- 

:  some  l  risible  p'u 
believe  all  .to  her  willing  < 

soon  as  se,"  was   the   prompt  answer,  and  a  ki 

ma-  ip  with  en. 

!•<  be  too  soon  ?  "  the  l.uly  a- 

to  ominous  pause,  as  though  even  the  impul 
sive  Lev.  itcd  at  the  shortness  of  time  that  was  allowed 
him  to  make  bi  '•  ith  the  world,  and 

-  \  :1  s.iid.      "  You  do  not  love  me." 

'•  If    I   did    not   answer  it    was  because  j  regretted  you  should  make  the 
time  to  long  before  my  bap]  rived.    A  whole  \\- 

Ah,  why  do  you  act  thus  coldly  toward  D 

for  her  compliance  to  t 

r  a  lit- 

ivcrl.  and  I  paid  much  attention  to 

what  ioll«. 

right  and  proper,"  the 

prudent  >;irl  n 

.t  I  would  demand  .inytl.in.^  B 
a  repni.irhh.:  N".   I   am  a   Frenchman,  and  honorable,  like  all  of 

(ountrvmcn. 
I  could  much  for  a  listener, 

on 

rl's  ears.    They  both  he»«i  ray  ( 

.mil  the  1 

1  )o  not  soeak  «o  loud." 


Lewey  and  I. 


"  Do  not  fear  him,"  the  lad  cried.     "  He  is  always  a  sound  sleeper.     I 
have  known  him  to  slumber  during  the  most  terrible  gales.     Nothing  would 
SD    liim  but  a  call  for  breakfast  or  dinner.     When  food  was  ready  tin 
slightest  whisper  was  enough  to  bring  him  to  his  feet*1 

I  determined  to  quarrel  with  Lewey  if  I  ever  got  out  of  prison.  liut  J 
would  not  punish  him  as  he  deserved,  simply  let  his  conscience  do  thai 
provided  he  had  such  a  thing,  and  I  really  began  to  doubt  it  more  tlix 
ever. 

\v,"  said  Lewey,  "as  we  are  to  be  married  you  must  let  my  friend 
escape  from  the  prison.  Take  that  big  key  from  your  pocket,  and  open  the 
outer  door." 

'•  Gracias  dios !  but  I  dare  not  do  that,"  was  the  reply.  "  My  father 
would  kill  me  for  violating  my  trust." 

ten  to  me,  caro  dulce,"  pleaded  the  boy.  "  We  must  both  escape 
tonight  or  we  shall  soon  be  separated  forever.  Did  you  not  hear  Don  San- 
chos  say  that  we  were  to  be  impressed  for  the  Mexican  army  ?  Our  cour 
age  is  so  great  we  should  be  killed  by  the  gringos  in  the  very  iir>t  battle, 
and  then  you  could  not  marry  a  dead  man,  for  he  would  be  of  no  use.  In 
a  few  davs  Sanchos  will  leave  this  part  of  the  State  for  Pueblo  los  Angeles, 
or  Sa:  u  Then  I  can  come  from  my  place  of  concealment  after 

all  danger  is  passed,  and  no  one  c.in  prevent  our  marriage." 

Even  our  dog,  which  had  been  perfectly  quiet  during  all  the  conversation 
here  arose,  shook  himself,  and  uttered  a  subdued  howl.     He  must  have  un 
derstood  my  friend,  and  became    disgusted  at  his  strong  statements,  one 
.  utterly  devoid  of  truth. 

not,"  sobbed  the  girl,  and  now  I  began  to  pity  her,  for  who  can 
man's  tears  ? 

Even  Lewey  seemed  a  little  contrite,  for  his  voice  lost  some  of  its  assur 
ance,  and  he  was  more  considerate,  as  he  said,  — 

"  Chico,  we  must  leave  this  prison  tonight,  and  with  your  aid.  You  can 
say  we  took  the  key  from  you  by  force.  That  yon  let  us  out  of  the  cell  for 
a  moment,  to  get  a  bit  of  supper,  and  we  rushed  upon  you,  and  made  our 
escape.  That  is  the  story  you  are  to  tell,  and  no  one  will  disbelieve 

where   will    you  £0  ?     There  is  no  phre  that  is  safe  from  Snnrhns. 
'!   hunt  for  you  in  every  direct. on,  and,  if  he  finds  you.  death  will  be 

the  young  girl  showed  her  anxiety  by  her  tears. 
•  for  us.  little  one.     Once  beyond  these  walls  we  can  take  cara 
(»•  our.^l-^s.    You  will  aid  us,  0  sweetest  of  San  Diego  maidens  ?" 


Lewey  and  /. 


.:!  go." 

I  heard  a  shower  of  kisses  on  the  girl's  lij»s  •  \  Jack  he 

uttered  another  growl  of  contempt,  and  I   did  not  blame  Inn., 
enough  to  make  a  human  being  sick. 

cried    Lewey,  calling   to  me,   "do   noble-!. 

vill  release  us.     Ye  is  free.     Avake,  and  let  us  be  off,  for  ve  hab  no  time  to 
lose,  and   I   has  vorked  harder  tonight  dan  ebe;  ^  does 

not  easy  to  me  come.     But,  O  mine  friend,  much  do(  s  I  do  for  you.     May 
you  nebber  be  called  upon  to  act  as  I  hab  n 

I   did  not  expend  many  sympathetic  words  upon   the  Doy,  for  I  thought 
they  would  be  useless,  not  believing   that  he   suffered  as  much  as 
tended. 

The  girl  had  just  taken  the  key  from  her  pocket,  and  handed  it  to  my 
friend,  when  we  heard  a  footstep  at  the  door,  and  then  the  harsh  voice  of 
bane 

'•  Open,  in  the  name  of  the  law,"  he  said. 

"Quick,  enter  your  cell,"   exclaimed  the  youiu  ;t  jailor.     ••  He 

will  kill  me  if  you  are  seen  in  this  room.     Do  not  delay  a  moment ;  vamous 
muy  presto." 

"  You  will  not  lock  the  door? "  asked  Lewey  in  a  low  tone,  as  tho  : 
had  a  suspicion  that  she  would  do  so,  and  1  saw  a  shade  pass  over  hi- 
as  if  he  had  been  suddenly  inspired  with  some  new   idea,   that  was  of 
imjxjrtance. 

"  Open  the  door,"  repeated  Sanchos.  "  Caramba!  do  you  intend  to  keep 
me  here  all  night  ?  " 

"  Go  in  your  cell,"  the  girl  said,  her  face  showing  the  v-rror  that  s' 
at  the  sudden  appearance  of  the  agent  of    General  Castro.     "  Do  n<  • 
a  moment.     I  will  not  lock  you  in,"  and  then,  to  show  how  sincere  s! 
added  hastily,  "  Take  the  key,  and  lock  yourselves  in.     I  will  tell  the  man 
.'.her  has  carried  it  \vith  him  to  the  fandango,  in  case  he  asks 

•  !ie  pushed  Lewey  into  the   cell,  and  thrust  the  key  into  my 
friend's  hand. 

He  did  not  delay  a  moment,  but  entered  the  room,  locked  the  door,  and 
then  the  ^irl  yawned,  as  if  just  awakened  from  a  deep  sleep,  and  admitted 
the  Mrxiran. 

1  you  not  hear  me  call  to  yon  ?  "  Sanchos  asked.     "  For  dios,  but  I 
thought  you  were  r!. 

"  I  was  sleeping  soundly,  srnor."  the  lady  answered.     "  I 
but  little  rest  on  account  of  th«  drunken  Indians,  and  today  I  have  been 


and  I. 


.our  prisoners.  I  flid  not  expect  any  one  hei«:  tonight,  and  Cell 
into  a  doze.  What  is  the  hour,  senor  ?  n 

ied,  and  Sanchos  was  deceived  by  her  actions  an  !  words. 

:>  see  the  prisoners,"  the  Mexican  mutteix,  to  be 

c  .safe.  In  a  day  or  two  I  shall  start  ;'.  lonte- 

with  Indians,  and  perhaps  they  will  ar.ivc  there  in  safety. 

ic  prisoners  are  all  right,"  the  girl  said.     "  Look   in  the  cell,  and  set 
or  \ou,-seii.     Try  the  door,  and  you    will  find  that  it  is  locked.     '1 
my  p.i  re  has  in  his  pocket.     He  feared  to  leave  it  at  home." 

icricano,"  Sanchos  cried,  as  he  endeavored   to  get  a  view  of  me 

keyhole. 

to  the  devil,"  I  retorted.     "We  wish  to  sleep." 

i  are  not  polite,'' laughed  the  Mexican.  "I  shall  leach  you  to  be 
more  complimentary  in  the  course  of  time.  Kick  that  Frenchman  into  life, 
and  let  us  see  what  he  has  to  say  for  himself." 

"Go  to  the  devil,"  was  the  response  from  Lewev,  in  the  same  tone  and 
words  I  had  used. 

t  until  I  have  sent  you  two  boys  to  see  him,  and  prepared  a  reception 
in  my  behalf.  Would  you  like  to  come  out?  " 

No  response  on  our  part,  but  Lewey  grasped  my  arm,  and  whispered 

;y>  — 

•,ou  game  to  dings  do?  Vill  you  lend  me  a  hand?  and  in  dis  place 
he  comes,  and  ve  lock  de  door  on  him." 

I  squeezed  back  a  willing  response,  and  then  we  inserted  the  huge  key  in 
its  proper  place,  and  waited  for  our  opportunity,  when  we  could  make  a 
rush,  and  turn  the  tables  on  our  enemy. 

-liall  see  you  in  the  morning,  and  mind  you  have  more  civil  tongues 
in  your  heads,  or  the  worse  for  you.     A  few  dozen  blows  with  the  end   of  a 
on  your  bare  backs,  will  be  apt  to  improve  your  tempers  and  man 
ners.     Remember,  I  am  master  here  just  at  present,  and  my  word  is  law  to 
all  whom  I  address." 

We  wanted  to  punch  the  scoundrel's  head  for  his  insolence,  but  restrained 
ours' ' 

"  Stand  ready,"  whispered  Lewey.  "  You  take  de  man's  arms.  I  vil! 
look  out  for  his  neck,  and  Jack  him  much  vil!  bite  about  de  legs.  Be  care 
ful  dat  lie  docs  not  de  knife  get  hold  of.  If  he  do,  cut  vi'll  he,  and  ve  may 
comr  srrnnd 

We  heard  the   Mexican  move  awav  from  us  to  speaK  to  the  girt,  and.t* 


• 


Lewey  and  I. 


this  moment,  Lewey  used  the  key,  flung  open  the  door  of  thi  ceU,  and  we 
sprang  out,  and  toward  Sanchos,  Jack  at  our  heels. 

The  Mexican  turned  at  the  noise  we  ma-ie.  and,  when  he  saw  us,  his   sur- 
.vas  so  great  that  for  a  moment  he  forgot  to  reach  for  his  long,  sharp 
knife. 

44  Go  for  him,  Jack,"  I  yelled,  and  then  Lewey  and  myself  threw  ou: 
around  the  man,  the   French  boy  at  his   throat,  while  I  seized  the  elbosvs, 
•;ned  them  at  his  side,  and  the  dog  did  some  beautitul  tearing  m  the 
hnrhood  of  his  ankles. 

•.oiled  S.inchos.     "Give  the  alarm,  girl.     The  \ 
crs  will  escape.     A  thousand  curses  on  you." 

He  si  i-.'arfully,  but  we  had  the  strength  and  muscle  to 

him.  se  had   been   trained  to  hard   work  for  three  NX.: 

;  .1  ling  sails,  and  rowing,  and  were  note, 

while  the  Mexican  had  led  an  indolen*   life,  the  only  exerci-  accus 

tomed  ;  horseback.     I  will  give  the  scamp  the  credit  o: 

!  equestrian,  and  he  could  throw  a  lariat  with  the  precision  of  a 

44  Down  him,"  cried  Lewey,  as  the  fellow  continued  to  yell,  and  we  feared 
that   he  would    alarm  the  neighborhood,   while  the  girl  was  in   a 
wringing  lur  hands,  and  almost  franiic  with  terror. 

We  tripped  the  greaser  up,  and  let  him    fall  with  a  heavy  thud,  hi- 
striking  first,  and  it  rather  confused  his  senses  for  a  moment,  but  the  instant 
he  rer  reath  a  yell  issued   from  his  mouth   that  must  have  been 

in  the  street,  had  any  one  been  listening. 

In  the  mean  time  Jack  had  torn  off  the  Mexican's  leggings,  and  w.i 
down  to  ha;  ,  '*ry  bite  telling,  as  \ve  could  judge  by  the  fellow's  kicks, 

for  he  .    .tc  lively,  and  sometimes  the  dog 

1  then  on  the  floor,  but  at  no  period   did  he  release  his  firm 

knew  his  business,  and  was  attending  to  it  with 
promptness  and  despatch. 

ii  off  your  blanked  dog,"  gasped  the  Mexican,  but,  as  he  opened  his 
mouth  to  speak,  Lewey  jammed  a  piece  of  the  l^gings  in  between  his 
teeth,  and  gagged  the  greaser  effectually,  so  that  he  could 
for  help.  To  prevent  being  bitten  by  the  desperate  mm  my  friend  used 
the  iron  key  with  much  force  and  happy  results;  then  I  reached  do.vn  and 
seized  the  long  knife,  which  had  fallen  from  its  sheath,  and  put  the  point  to 
the  owner's  throat. 

*•  Be  quiet,  or  I  '11  kill  you  as  jou  lie  on  the  floor,"  I  said,  and  Sanchoa 


Lewey  ami  /. 


saw  that    I    was  in   earnest,  for  lie  made  a  motion  that  he  had   \ 

:e  resistance. 
irn  him  ober,"  cried  Lewey.     "Ve  must  his  hands  and  arms  1 

in  his  stomach  we  rolled  the   man,  and  then    took 
•  in :1  his  waist,  and  tied  his    elbows    together  so  that  ho 
ss  lil  us,  had  he  been  so  disposed. 
Jack  from  his  sport,  dragged  the  greaser  to  the  ceil  ire  l.a  \  u- 

•>i,  threw  him  in,  and  then  said,  — 

the  present   we   are   quits.     We   won't  kill  you,  as  you  deserve  for 
iiery,  but  hereafter  let  us  alone,  and  we  w.ll  be  satisfied." 

not  see  the  man's  face  in  the  darkness,  but  it  must  have 
.  as  he  lay  on  the   floor  powerless.     He  moved  his  le^s,  however, 
at  us,  but  we  were  beyond  his  reach.     Then,  wishing  the  Mexi- 

•d  out  of  the  cell,  and  locked  the  door. 
nd  Lewey,  to  the  frightened  girl,  "  here  is  the  key.     letter  run 

.-.iher.  and  tell  him  to  swear  that  it  has  not    left   his   j 
;  moment.     Sanchos   will   think  the  gringos  made  one  like  it, 

"ii  and  yours  escape  all  harm  for  what  has  occurred." 
*•  i'Ut  you  still  love  me  ?"  sobbed  the  girl. 
'i  course.     Have  I  not  said  so?  " 

!  sou  will  marry  me  very  soon  ?  "  pleaded  the  woman,  and  she  looked 
hard  at  Lcw-.-y,  a  little  suspicious  of  his  intentions. 

tit  with  patience  until  1  return,"  the  French  lad  said.     "  We 
1  .ded  by  danger,  and  this  is  no  time  to  talk  of  matrimony." 

>  yard  the  door,  which   was  unlocked,  when  the  \ 
:rd  us,  and  laid  her  hand  on   my  friend's  arm,  thus  detain 
:m  for  a  moment. 

'ad  men,"  she  cried,  "and  I  do  not  believe  that  eith- 
r  thought  of  marrying  me.     I  have  got  to  lose  my  prisoners,  and  a 

it  the  same  time." 

think  of  the  kisses  that  you  have  received.     Don't  those  count  for 
something,  little  darling?"  asked  the  hard-hearted   French  boy,  as  he  con- 

ti<l  the  door. 

ie  devil,"  she  yelled,  "you  have  cheated  and  deceived  me. 
.fd,   by   Jove,  she  made   a  grab  for  th- 
•:h  hands  in  it  with  a  firm  grip,  ami  s<  i 
.    H  deprived  of  its  young. 

••  She    vill  mine  head  pull 

ill.-  tir<--soit." 


Lewey  and  /.  ° 


nc  one  :  u  cafo- 

rh   convuN  ;   fin- 

r  hold.  t:i 

:ne   a   blow  on    the  lace  th.it  made  me  see  quite  a  inr. 
;.t   I   thought   I   UMs  in   t':. 

.1   teach  you  better  than  to  interfere  in  my  afL 

we  heard  from  the  girl,  for  she  immediately  tumbled  to   the 
i  .   kicked  her  heels  on  the  planks  until  the  noise  sounded  like  the 

t          >f  a  drum. 

vot  a  vife  she  vould  make  for  a  nice  young  man  like  me. 
all  the  comment  Lewey  made  as  we  darted  out  of  the  door,  fol! 

.ifter  us. 
.;-.  the  dark  street  we  could  hear  the  hysterical 

matrimony  until   we   turned  a  corner, 
then  the  sounds  of  a  harp  and  guitar  came  from  an   adobe   h< 

is  in  full  blast  near  us. 

••  I  must  hab  one  leetle  look,"  the  French    boy  said.     "  I    \     ',    to 
l.uli.  .   and  to  note  if  dey  is  booful.      A  Fiv;,diMian  in 

;     vccts  lo  de  softer  > 
1   rubbed   my  face,  and  wondered  if  all  the  girls  of  San  Diego  had 

'«  daughter,  and  then  attempted  to  point  out  to  my  friend  the 

/,  even  for  a  moment.     Hut  h 

going  to  walk  five   miles   to  the   hide-house  until  he  ha 
.-;.  es  with  a  glance  at  the  girls,  and  he  had  his 
me:.  on  him,  being  so  impulsive  and  reckk 

of  the  house  stood  open,  and  there  was  sound  of  scuftlin. 
ios  and  men  waltz.ed.     We  kept  in  the  shadow  of  the  building,  and 

There  was  a  roomful  of  dark-faced  .  and  brilliant 

.•id   in   the  corner,  near  a  sort  of  bar,  we  saw  bottles  of  wine  and 
irdicntc,  and  a  scamp  we  did  not  care  to  meet,  it  being  C 
brother  of  the  fellow  we  had  placed  in  our  cell,  and  the  same  person  we  had 
good  reason  to  suspect  of  firing  on  us  the  evening  we  m.i 

is  drinking  aguardiente,   with   several  of 

him  each  having  a  glass  in  hand,  and  a  half-breed  girl  in  close  pr«> 
•.lie  party. 
!  like  to  fetch  him  a  crack  ober  dc  head,"  mutter 

l  of  the  g:  that  moment 

cam  -tabrea'i  -e  could  «' 

•he  ha  ;-)  courtes; 


82  Lewey  and  I. 


"  Entrer,  muchacros." 

We  heard  a  stir  in  the  room,  and  dropping  of  glasses,  but  did  not  halt 
for  further  demonstrations.  We  ran  down  a  street,  turned  a  corner,  and 
saw  before  us  the  house  of  Captain  Fitch,  with  a  light  burning  in  the  din 
ing-room.  We  did  not  stop  to  let  the  gentleman  know  we  were  out  of  pris- 
ijut  kept  on,  as  we  heard  the  sound  of  footsteps  behind  us.  We  knew 
that  we  could  outrun  any  greaser  in  the  town,  but  were  not  disposed  to  give 
the  fellows  a  chance  to  try  conclusions,  as  we  feared  pursuit  on  horseback, 
and  from  several  directions,  which  might  be  fatal  to  our  fortunes  and 
hopes. 

As  we  passed  Captain  Fitch's  premises  we  saw  a  low  adobe  wall,  not 
more  thin  five  feet  high,  and  enclosing  a  garden,  the  residence  of  a  rich 
Mexican,  who  was  collector  of  customs,  or  something  of  the  sort. 

"  Ober  ve  goes  here,"  panted  Lewey,  and  he  made  a  spring,  vaulted  on 
the  wall,  and  then  jumped  to  the  ground,  on  the  other  side. 

I  caught  up  Jack,  who  seemed  to  think  that  the   race   was  gotten  up  for 
his  especial  benefit,  pitched  him   over  the  wall,  and  then  followed  the  ani 
mal,  and,  just  as  I  landed,  a  whole  troop  of   greasers  came  down  the  street, 
followed  by  all  the  dogs  in  the  neighborhood.     Luckily  for  us  the  latter 
\\?re  worthless  curs,  and  without  the  power  to  follow  a  trail,  unless  it   was 
b  and  broad,  like  that  of   a  wild  animal.     Man  they  had  never  been 
ht  to   hunt,  although  a  few  of  them  could  track  an  Indian,  if  encouraged 
to  do  so  by  their  owners. 

As  the  greasers  passed  down  the  street  we  could  hear  them  panting  from 

unusual  exercise.     Then   they  stopped  near  us,  and  all  talked  at  once, 

like  a  group  ot  rls.  who  expect  an  invitation  to  a  party.     We  had 

.;.-ep  a  firm  hold  of  Jack's  mouth,  for  he  made   considerable  exertion  to 

.  of  growls  and  angry  barks. 

'  come  t!.  one  fellow  said.     "  They  turned  to  the 

I  know  they  did,  for  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  them." 

Does  any  one  knov, 

:y  were  the  two  1>  ,vs  confined  in  the   calabozo,"  a  greaser  said.     "  I 
glimpse  of  they  ran  from  the  door  of  the  house." 

:.:npossibl-  .     -  They  are  in  the    cal.ihozo,  safe 

unrk:  key,     You  must  be  mistaken." 

M  I  know  that  I  am  not,"  was  the  positive  reply.     "  I    remember  the  boys 

often  seen  them  when  they  belonged  to  a  ship  that 
«xn  the  CO 
"  How  could  they  have  made  their  escape,  if  such  is  the  case  ?  "  demand- 


Lcwty  and  1.  Bj 


to  answer  the  question,  a  man  sud- 

',  — 

ur  brother?     He  s. 

TIC  could  say  where  the  chief  scoundre. 
roont,  although  1  heard  several  of  the  greasers  la  .  ,  it  woul  J  not 

,at  they  knew  about  the  fellow's  \\. 
time. 

"  I    will   w.v;er  a  medio  peso  that  the  boys  :ire  at  this  in  Don 

.i's  house.     They  would  naturally  go  there  for  protection  and  advic 

o  had  not  before  spoken,  and   w 
clearer  than  the  others. 

••  Weil  th  :hc  exclamation  of  Carlos.     *•  \Ve  will  go  and  aslc 

::ior  if  he  is  sheltering  suspicious  persons." 

The  fellows  moved  off  in  the  direction  of  Mr.  Fitch's  premises,  not  more 
than  one  hundred  feet  from  our  place  of  concealment.  Under  the  shadow 
of  a  tig-tree  we  watched  the  crowd  hovering  around  the  adobe  house  of  the 
American,  and  we  wondered  what  their  reception  would  be  like  by  the 
sturdy 

de  time  for  us  to  cut  de  stick,"  Lewey  whispered,  and  we  stole 
through  the  garden  grounds,  still   holding  on  to  Jack,  to  prevent   his  giving 
an  alarm,  passed  to  the  other  side  of  the  premises,  and  climbed  the   \. 
dropped  once  more  into  the  street,  and  struck  out  for  the  hide  h 

jar,"  Levrey  said,  as  we  walked  along  at  a  rapid  gait,  '•  ve  sheats  'em 
boof 

I,  but  we  should  have  had  no  occasion  to  cheat  them  had  you  not 
txen  to  obstinate,"  I  remarktd.  "  When  will  you  learn  a  little  prudence, 
you  hot-headed  Frenchman  ?  " 

44  Bah,  I  runs  more  risk  den  dat  to  sec  de  booful  girls.  A  true  French 
man  nebber  dinks  of  danger  vhen  de  softer  sex  is  CDncerned.  He  risk  all, 
eben  his  honor,  for  one  sight  of  a  nice  face,  one  dat  he  can  make  love  to. 
Me  true  Frenchman." 

I,  I  believe  it,"  I  sighed;  "and,  confound  you,  that  tongue  of  yours, 
and  desire  to  make  love  to  even-thing  that  wears  a  petti  ost  you 

dearly  some  day.     Oh,  why  will  you  not  imitate  me,  and  keep  out  of  all 
I 

The  boy  passed   an   arm   around  my   neck,   as   we   walked,  and    then 
whispered,  — 
44  You  is  here  now,  in  dis  place,  all  'cos  I  talks  to  one  female  dat  like  to 


ind  I. 


be  ma  :  .  ou  say  one  v<>.  :c  prudence,  and   all    dat, 

as  I  knows  you  kiss  de  i;iil  afore  1  comes  to  \our  help.     Denv  it  can  you  not." 

:y,  for  just  at  that  moment  we  hc.tr>!  a  r,,.ir  from    the   mob 

in  the  town,  and  we  suspected  that  Mr.  Fitch  was  having   his   hands  full  in 

explaining   to   his  visitors    that  no  one  was  in  his  hou  >  ;  t'm.sc  v;ho 

.1  to  be  there. 

erward  learned  that  the  sturdy  old  captain  had  explain.-:! 

that  lie  knew  nothing  of  our  whereabouts,  and  advised  the  .Vitxirar.  - 

to  the  calabozo,  and  find  out   if  we   had  made  our  escape  from  the  prison. 

This  the  greasers  did,  and,  when   they  released   Don  Sanchos  from  the  cell, 

and  his  lathings,  the  profanity  of  the  man  was  shocking,  and  he  swore  that 

revenge   for  all   of  his  injuries.     In  the  mean  time,  in 

of  his  imprecations,  Antonio  did  not  lose  his  head.     He  directed  that 

•ii-1  bj   mounted,  and  search    made  for  us  on  all   the  roads,  and 

the    beach,  thinking  that  we  might  secure  a  boat,  and  paddle  to  the 

hide-house  by  water,  the  safest  way  if   we  had  been  sure  of  finding  a  skiff 

on  the   ll.its.     Uut   we  did   not  dare  to  run  the    risk,  and  so  continued  our 

coarse  by  the  road,  and  soon  left  the  town  behind  us. 

It  w  .  i  o'clock,  we  judged  by  the  stars,  and  just  cool  enough    to 

make  walking  agreeable.     We  had  jogged  on  for  half  an  hour  or  so. 

loping    of  horses  in  our  rear,  and  suspected  lhat  our  Mcx- 
lends  were  in  pursuit  of  us.     We  left  the  hi-;  :  ed  the 

;ting  for   the   greasers  to  pass.     We  had   to   hold  our  dog  very 
I  the  horsemen  clattered  by,  at  a  full  gallop,  and,  as  they  disa; 

continued  our  journey,  knowing  that  we   could  do  so 

i  Mexican  never  walks  if  he  can   ride,  and    we   thought  that 

..it  the  animals  might  make,  if  they  returned  to  town,  would  give 

•  mcealment. 

An^:  king  sharply  on  either  side  of  the   road  for 

.rned    that   the    Mexicans  had 

:     •      •  ie,  and 

there,  .n«l   supposed  that  we  had  not  left 

the  lir;  once  more  sen  -   in   the  scrub, 

'   until   the-  '•'"  men,  and 

:  ility  of  oviriiaulng   us,   while  one  greaser,  who 

re  humor  than  the  n-st  of  hi-  '-ompanions,  actaal- 

11  nd  and  gagged,  in 
that  we  WITC  smart  boys 
and  had  played  a  sharp  Yankee  tiick  ou  the  a«;ent  of  the  government 


Lewey  and  I. 


i   the   Mexicans  were  out  of  sight   we  resumed  our  ]  > 
were  soon  at  the  entrance  of  the  hide-house.     All   was  dark  v. 
there  was  not  a  light  on  the  whole  beach.     Every  one  had  r 
the  UOL:S,  and  they  came  toward  us  with  a  rush  and  roar,  then  saw  j 
1  us  as  friends,  and  so  left  us  to  seek  their  usual  slee 
qua:  -irk  defiance  at  the  coyotes  on  the  sand-hills  in  the  rear  of  the 


!  on  the  door  of  the  premises  to  awaken  Scotch  Jack,  the 
crt  but  he  seemed  disposed  to  pay  no  attention  to  the  summons,  even  if  he 
hea:  :  not  until  we  had  beaten  a  rappel  \vith  two  .- 

..it  the  old  man  condescended  to  move,  and  then  he  utter. 
^ortment  of  oaths,  as  he  yelled  out,  — 

away  from    this,  you    blanked  greasers,   or  you  will  get  hurt.     The 
here.      I   wish  they  were.     You   would  n't  get  'cm.  n  ..v  ; 

:..old  fellow,"  I  said,  "  don't  you  know  us?     It  is  Lewey  and  Thorn. 

•  tired  and  hut. 
tt'l    mean  to  tell   me   it  's  you   two  boys?"  the   old  sail" 

.-.  ;  t::e  Dutch." 

.locked  the  door,  and  the  next  instant  the  «  shak- 

|.»:ttin;4  us.  as  if  he  had  not  seen  us  fo; 
lie  cried,   "and   let    me   dose   the  d- 

a  short  time  ago,  and  insi.sU--i  that  uni  were  in  the 
rn  you  were  not,  and,  when    ; 

ew  on  'em  with  one  of  the  old  in-.;  in  a 

.;un  was  n't  loaded,  but  they  di  1  n't  kn. 

.     Now  tell  me  all  about  it,  aiul  ho  . 

We  I  -he  Scotchman'  -ut  the 

A  ork   making  a  fire  ami  a  ciij> 
to  satisfy  our  hunger,  all  ha;. 
tO  the  best  method  :  led    to    j  .-:• 

N  should  be  made  the  IK  .  d  d  not 

c    that    the    Mexicans    would    let    us    . 
on. 

'em,"  the  old  salt 
can  whip  a  do/en  greasers  when 
• 

I 


Lewey  and  7. 


•it  to  hint  such  a  thing  at  that  time,  as  we  did  not  care  to  les- 
••us  enthusiasm  in  our  behalf. 
1  In  the  fust  place,"  Jack  -.,  knocked  the  ashes  from  his  1 

I   up  the  old  muskets,  and  get  'em  ready  for  ac- 

takin'   us  by  surpri--  ,  the  m  -min'.     The   greasers  will 

1  wo  '11  be  prepared  for  'em.     Some  of  the   men  at  the  other 

US  a  hand   if  we  want  Vm  to,  I  'm  sure.     I  '11  jist  put 

r  the  door,  and  blank  the  cuss  that  dares  to  pass  u» 

is  him  not  to.     Don't  you  be  afeard,  boys.     I  'm  on  deck, 

ommands  this  craft,  and  knows  what  I  'm  about  every  watch." 

d  the  two  old  muskets  with  heavy  charges  of  powder  and  small 
Jack  got  out  a  rusty  cutlass,  which  he  knew  how  to  handle,  and 
•at  the  lights,  and  turned  in,  tired  and  sleepy  wiih  the  cxcitin* 
of  the  day  and  evening. 

not  disturbed  during  the  night,  and  awoke  refreshed,  and  feel- 

cope   with   any  disagreeable  incidents  that  might  occur  during 

When   we   turned  out  the  kanaka  was  preparing  breakfast,  and 

from  the  house,  and  did  not  return  for  some  time. 

:i  he  came  back  we  noticed  that  the  old  cutlass  was  at  his  side,  held  in 

r  strap,  which  served  the  double  purpose  of  keeping 

'-  his   hips,  and  as  a  sword  belt.     He 'appeared  as  proud 

:x)n  as  a  captain  of  a  man-of-war  in  full  uniform,  and  assumed  the 

I  to  tun  away  with  the  idea  that  the  greasers,  if  they 

ame  to  the  Leach   in   the  course  of  the  day,  would  be  impressed  with  his 

ice,  and  make  a  hasty  retreat. 

been  around  to  the  other  hide-houses,  and  tipped  the  crews  the 

-'  might  expect,  and  the  !x,vs  will  lend  us  a  helpin-  hand 

•n  to,"  the  old  sailor  remarked,  as  he  took  his  scat  at  the  ta- 

>Ie,  and  laid   the  cutlass  on  a  spare  chair,  with  all  the  dignity  and  precau- 

ions  of  a   military  chieltain.     »  I    hopes   the  greasers  will  keep  away  from 

I  don't  want  no  row,  but  if  one  comes  the  hardest  must  fend 
Blank  the  man  what  •..  ;  for  a  messmate,  say  I." 

We  certainly  hoped    the    Mexicans   would  give   us  no  more  trouble   but 
subject,  as  we  expected  the  Sanchos  family  would 
»   all    thoughts  of   revenge  so  readily.     They  were   vindictive 
scamps,  and  had  the  power  to  make  it  uncomfortable  for  us,  at  least  for  a 
time. 

The  (h>'  w  -r>  as  no  rain   f,.li,  but  the  sky  was  overcast,  and  the 

find   light  from  the  southed.     The  air  was  delicious,  pure  and  invigorat- 


Lcwey  and  I.  $7 


>-,reat  flocks  of  brant  and  ducks,  geese  and  snipe,  fille 
.arbor,  and  made  lively  music   with  their  quacking  and  honks,  while 
the  waters  of  the  bay  were  covered  with  gulls  and  pelica..  >oked  at 

the  fowl  as  they  fed  at  low  tide,  and  longed  to  make  an  expc  nst 

them,  but  when  we  hinted  as  much  to  the  Scotchman  he  repudiated  the 
idea  with  scorn. 

••  You  jist  stay  where  you  is,"  he  said.    "  Keep  in  the  house,  and  have  an 
eye  on  me.     I  'm  skipper  of  tins  craft,  and  mean  to  command  it.     Xo  liber- 
tv  todav  for  any  one,"  and  we  did  not  care  to  disobey  the  order,  knov 
how  much  we  were  dependant  on  the  old  sailor  for  proteci.on. 

About  tea  o'clock  some  one  on  the  beach  shouted  "  Sail  oh,"  and  we 
rushed  to  the  door,  thinking  that  a  ship  had  entered  the  harbor,  but  the 
alarm  was  false,  as  it  alluded  to  a  party  of  horsemen  who  were  galloping 
along  the  road  leading  from  the  town.  We  counted  twelve  Mexicans,  and 
thought  that  we  could  recognize  the  two  Sanchos  at  the  head  of  the  caval 
cade. 

"Stand  by  for  stays."  cried  Jack,  and  took  up  his  !•  B  more 

hole,  and  laid  his  hand  hard  on  the  hilt  of  the  cutlass.  "Get  the  -uns  all 
ready,  and  don't  fire  till  I  gives  the  word  of  command.  I  'm  goin'  to  have 
a  little  talk  with  'em." 

As  Jack's  Spanish  was  rather  limited  we  did  not  sec  how  it  was  to  be 
done  with  satisfaction  on  either  side,  but  made  no  objections. 

.orsemen  dashed  up  to  the  door  of  the  hide-house,  a 
cvii  ;  Antonio  Sanchos  and  his  brother  Carlos  among   the 

v  did  not  dismount,  but  sat  on  their  horses  fur  the  firs:   l..m  hour,  and 
;  reluctant  to  come  to  blows. 

Maestro  de  la  casa,"  cried  Antonio,  addre^  /.man, 

..e   two  fugitives   from  justice   uuder  your  pr«i 

:  render  the  lads  to  us,  or  shall  we  i 
lo  the  devil,"  roared  the  Scotchman,  who  mule: 

I  by  Sancl  >jer  English,  you  l\  :  you 

•.ith  a  gentleman  like  me.      I    don't    kno-.v  your  hi...;  Latin, 
and  <i«-a't   want  to,  but   I   can  patter  the  John  ic.  or  tin 

old  ,  A  ith  any  able  seaman  of  my  weL 

not  comprehr 
had  listrriM  attentively,  in  the  hope  of  ca'  •    the 

'.;it  had  to  give  up  in  despair, 
interpret  for  y  at  least  know  what  we  say,  even  if  ti.  *li  is 

hah 


*,"  muttered  Lewey,  "and  he  know  I  B]  ;i~ 

l>'hat  do  thc  Su>  :    Jack,  turning  ton, 

the  hang  of  their  habler." 

rmed  the  Scotchman  of  the   Me*  •.  ahluul,h 

Jack  war,;  J]  the  talking,  he  grumbling!  v  allowed  us  to  take  a  Innd 

in  the  pal.. 

the  greasers,"  the  old  sailor  said,  «  that   they  had  hater  I 
i  for  the  town  once  more,  for  it  '., 

;.»u  without  a  fight,  and  some  one  will  lose   the  numl 
ss.     Let  them  put  that  in  their  pipes,  and  smoke  it,  if  thev  « 
\\e  translated  the  speech,  not  exactly  in  ti.e  form  in  which    it'  was  deliv- 

:>ear  as  we  could,  so  as  to  convey  a  mm  defiance,  and  . 
Sanchos  had   heard  us  to  the  end,  very  patiently,  I  will  admit,  he 

has  been  declared  between  Mexico  and  the  United  States,  and  we 

to  destroy  all  thc  houses  on  thc  beach,  and  ,rv  per- 

under  the  America,)  flag.     We  do  not  desire  to  proceed 

:  have  you  two  bovs,  bv  force  if  necessary." 
i    is  as  long  as  thc    Bttinto'-bowJin',"  muttered   Jack   as  the 
n  ceased  speaking.     «  It  takes  a  sight  of  words  from  a  greaser  to 
thing  what  has  no  mcaninV 
i  to  the  old  sailor  rdl  that  the  man  uttered,  and  Ja<*    issumcd 

he  handled  his  cutlass,  and  replied,- 

that  they  may  go  to  thc  warmest  place  they  can  think  of,  and 
r,  and  then  I  won't  give  you  up." 

•  words  were  conveyed  to  the  Mexicans  Sanchos  seemed 
>  DC  angry,  for   he  gave  an  order,  and  all  of   ! 

Cd,drew  keen,  long  knives,  unbuckl  d   thc   heaw   spun   from   their 
'hem  in   their  left  hand  and  then  ad 

i  us.  thinking  that   they  could    carry   our  Btftmghol 

fame  on,    Lewey  and    I   brought  thc  old  muskets  to  our 
1   the  crowd,  while  Jack    brandished  his  cutlass  in  a 
nd  the  kanaka  rook  whirled   a  hatchet  aitnind   his   head, 
•r  the  style  of  an  Indian's  tom.-ihav/L 

noting  thewarlj  that 

:  once 

th««nedain«ol  Sanchos  sa.d 


-because,  if  wi  0  Attack. 

;  Me  the  question  in  a  jus: 

:o  the  calaboro,  and  remain  there  until 

ht  have   been  just  and   f;iir. 

.-  we  h..d   , 

.incl  hurry  us  toward    t!  • 
aienily  murder  us  on  the  way.     II 
,,d  for  just  such  trcaiher 
•  f  their  power,  if  possibl",  and  accept  of  no  < 

.     ,  >u    black-hearted    scoundrels,   an 

lack  yelled,  seeing  the  Mexicans  halt, 
D0  fight  after  all    He  did  not. wait  until  we  ha 

mou.u'h  for  the  old  sailor  that  tin 

to  ind-.il-c  in  I 

,  up.     The  property  in  the  hide  house,  the   hous 
troyed  durin-   thfi   melee,  but  there  «  -'   P" 

/,U  of  it  for  a  moment, 
old  on  for  a  moment,"  the  old  sailor  cried. 

»J|   American   fl.i-4   &O«   \>\*   chc.t,  wra 
,  and  then  lx>ldly  shook  the  banner  in   the 
>.s  he  did  so.  shouted,  - 
Jot   worthless,  cowardly  curs.     Do  you   sc< 

itars  and  •tripes.     I  Ve 

Hd  blank   m,  if    I    won't  die  n 

,,r  aambert.    Nosv  come  on, 

:  .a  me  is  a  blow  at  the  nation  this  I 
:.«rt  if  this  fooling  continues  much  lo: 

;  him  they  m: 
.they  did  not,  then 

, for  they* 

countrv,  at  that  tin, 

iivovcr  the  presidioi  Jong  the - 

iitllc  |x>wcr  to  ba-  ' 

urter-d 
do,w 

their  dignity 


9°  Levuey  and  1. 


u  We  can't  stand  here  talking  all  day,"  the  elder  Sanchos  cried,  as  soon 
as  he  and  his  gang  had  allowed  the  grins  to  pass  from  their  faces.     "  \\  c 
care  no  more  for  your  Yankee  flag  than  we  do  for  the  green  banner  of  the 
false  prophet.     Once  more,  will  you  give  up  the  bo;. 
"  What  does  he  say  ?  "  demanded  Jack. 

"He  say,''  cried  Lewey,  with  a  little  stretch  of  imagination,  "dat  he 
care  no  more  for  de  American  flag  dan  he  do  for  all  de  Scotchmen  in  de 
vorld,  and  dat  he  can  lick  us  vid  one  hand." 

"  Hold  hard/'  muttered  the  indignant  sailor.  "  He  slights  a  true-blooded 
•on  of  old  Scotland,  does  he  ?  Why,  blank  that  greaser's  eyes,  I  could  eat 
a  dozen  like  him." 

The  Mexicans  seemed  to  think  the  time  for  argument  had  expired,  and 
that  a  good  chance  for  an  attack  now  presented  itself.  They  came  forward 
with  a  rush,  but  dreaded  the  sight  of  the  two  old  muskets,  ,ind  Jack's  f  jr- 
midable  cutlass.  Once  more  they  halted,  and  seemed  disposed  for  another 
palaver,  but  just  then  a  new  idea  struck  the  elder  Sanchos. 

"  Compadres,"  he  said,  "  we  will  burn  the  coyotes  out  of  their  holes. 
Let  us  set  nre  to  the  building,  and  destroy  it,  and  the  nest  of  the  enemies 
of  the  State." 

Tiiis  was  a  scheme  I  had  feared  would  enter  their  minds,  and  it  was  one 
fraught  with  danger  to  every  person  on  the  beach,  for,  if  one  hide-house 
was  hied,  the  others  would  surely  go,  as  they  were  close  together,  and  built 
of  rough  boards,  a  little  damp  on  account  of  the  recent  rains,  but  still  in 
flammable,  and  easily  destroyed. 

We  hastily  told  Jack  of  the  threat,  and,  as  the  words  passed  our  lips,  he 

snatched  the  musket  from   my  hand,  took  a  hasty  aim,  and   fired  at  the 

greasers.     I  do  not  think  that  he  intended  to  hit  any  particular  person,  but, 

as  luck  was  on  his  side,  planted  the  charge  just  where  it  would  do  the  n. 

good,  for  Don  Antonio  Sanchos  ha-1  turned  for  the  moment  ba'-k  to  us,  for 

the  purpose  of  giving  some  instructions  to  his  men.     Th-  :  entered 

v  his  sash,  and  the  fellow  clapped  his  hands  on  the  scat  of  his   panta< 

loon*,  uttered  a  yell  that   set  our  dog   to  howling  jumped    more  than  two 

:i  the  air,  and  then  came  down  on  the  soft  sand,  and  blasphemed  like  a 

p.rate. 

>rk   in    surprise   and    consternation    as    they  wit- 

ncs-s  ••'  the  wounded  m.m.     None  of  them  wished  to  l.c  injured 

in  a  CAU.S--  th.it  cvaa  not  likelv  to  l»rin£  thim  pesc.s.  It  was  money  they  de 
sired  more  thin  -^lory  <>r  h,n  I  Shooting  was  .ill  very  well  as  long  as 
they  were  not  the  recipients  of  the  shot,  and,  while  they  were  willing  to  do 


Lewey  and  I. 


a  little  fighting,  and  much  thieving  did  not  see  that  they 
interested  in  making  an  attack  on  a  hide-house,  that  was  barren  of  all  tr-. 
ure  exrc;  t  a  few  hundred  qucros.  and  those  were  of  no  use  to  men 
were  traveling  around  the  country,  restless  and  anxious. 

«Gr1  kgo  of  the  devil,"  yelled  Sanchos,  as  soon  as  he  could  recover  his 
breath,  and  found  that  no' vital   .  injured,  "you  have  insulted  the 

r.y  person.     You  shall  suffer  for  this." 

-You  and  >  e  blanked,"  retorted  the  Scotchman.  C  a 

good  line  shot,  am',  o  same  any  day,"  then,  as  h-  that  the 

,cd  dissatisfied   with   the    treatment  their  leader  ha 
d,  and  fearing  that  the  greisers  would  carry  out  their  threats  to  burn 
the  building,  the  Scotchman  put  his  hands  to  his  mouth,  speaking  tru:. 
fashion,  and  yelled,  — 

. .;  hands  ahoy.     Tumble  up  here,  and  help  douse  sail." 
The  cry  was  heard  all  over  the  beach,  and  understood.     The  masters  and 
gangs  of 'the  several  hide-houses  had  resolved  to  come  to  our  assistance 
case*  of  necessity,  but  not  to  make  their  appearance  unless  tlu 
upon  in  earnest.     As  the  sailors  and  kanakas  poured  out  of  the  buildings, 
armed  with  hide-hooks,  clubs,  and  muskets,  they  presented  a  formidable 
appearance  to  men  who  were  only  provided  with  kniv  irs. 

Jack,  who  somehow  had  the  impression 

that  he  was  on  the  deck  of  a  frigate,  alongside  of  an  enetm.  D  or 

dered  to  head  a  boarding  party.  As  he  uttered  the  words  the  Scotchman 
flourished  his  cutlass,  struck  at  an  imaginary  enemy  with  a  one,  two,  three 
motion,  and  d  '  the  bewildered  greasers,  while  I  ^ka 

-,-cd  our  leader,  clubbing  the  muskets,  and  prepared  to  do 
frightful  execution  on  the  heads  of  our  enemies. 

The  v  the  formidable  crowd  advancing  in   their  rear  and 

front,  and,  alas  for  Don   Sanchos'  adherents,  they  were  not  capable  of 
:h  a  charge.     For  only  a  moment  did  they  hesitate,  then, 
:l.-cl  for  their  horses,  but  even  those  could  not  be 

tafety,  as  the  crews  of  the  other  hide-houses  rut  off  their  retreat,  so  there 
was  but  one  resource,  and  that  was  to  run.  an<l  they  did  scamper  along  the 

U  they  never  had  been  used  be- 

for,.  1  Scotchman  f  lone  in  the  rear,  with  01: 

in  advance,  .,  'v*  at  every  hcci  that  was  convenient  for  a  nip  from 

his  well-armed  jnws. 

We  were  all  mixed  up  in  the  cha*e.     The  puns  were  so  lu  Uwey 

and  I  could  not  make  much  headway,  and.  therefore,  were  glad  when  the 
I 


Lewey  and  I. 


old  sailor,  panting  with  ifs  unusual  exertion*,  the  perspiration 

a  halt,  and  CM  |  ,    UIL-  hide*- 

houses,  as  be  jlory  enough  for  one  day,  in  bi  ;  on. 

of  their  way  toward  the  town,  and 

a  uhile  to  see  if  they  were  disposed  to  return,  and  renew  the 

at,  as  they  did  not  do  so,  we  retraced  our  steps  homeward,  and  then 

!  a  short  address,  in  which  he  said   iluit  the  battle  we 

1  in  was  equal  to  that  of  Waterloo,  and,  with   such  men  as    had 

,1  him  that  day,  he  could  overrun  the  whole  country.     We  cheered 

our  speech,  and  all  the  rest  joined  in. 

Jack  said   if  he  had  a  bottle  of  aguardiente  he    would  treat  the 
crowd,  but  was  rather  disconcerted  when  an  old  fellow  wanted  to  know  how 

nought  one  bottle  of  rum  would  go  in  such  a  collection  oi 
who  had  rvt  had  a  drop  of  spirits  for  a  week  ? 

ver,  U-w.-y  and   I   saw  a  chance  for  popularity,  and  said  that  if  a 

•.as  found  we  would  semi  up  to  town  lor  a  gallon  of  spiii^ 
pay  for  it  oat  of  our  own  money,  and  three  cheers  were  given  for  the  propo- 
i:ul  the  proposers,  and  a  kanaka  volunteered  to  start   immediately  lor 
the  village,  armed   with   a  one-gallon  jug,  which  Jack  owned,  and  k- 
just  su  Ji  set  vice. 

:;»posc  that  any  one  would  harm  the   kanaka,   as  he  was  a 

qui.jt   ina-i,  and   never  interfered   with  other   people  unless  imposed  upon. 

ieil  our  expectations,  for  the  native  of  the  Sandwich  Island* 

town,  ami,  when  questioned  by  Sanchos'  gang,  said   that  every 

t,  and  plenty  of  powder  and  balls,  and  were 

visited  the  beach  in  a  war-like   manner.     This   \\as  a 

Might  of  imagination  on  the  part  of  the  kanaka,  but  his  word  was  l»r- 

)  HI  Sanchos  was  busy  having  fine  shot  picked  out  of  his 

•Bought  best  to  let  us  alone  for  a  wi.ilr.  or  until  a  surprise 

could  be  effected,  and  no  danger  incurred. 

".irncd  the  horses  loose, —  those  that  had  been  left  behind  by  the 
is,  —  and  they  galloped  back  to  town  riderless,  and  were 
1  by  their  respective  owners. 

'.anaka  returned  with  the  aguardiente  about  four  o'clock  in  the  aftt-r- 
.iml,  from  his  appearance,  we  judged  that  he  had    sampler!    the  liquor 
on  the  way  clown  to  the  beach,  for  he  was  the  silliest  nun  v. 

•i  in  an  imbecile  manner,  am' 
ger  .'  !  then  the  other,  and  say, — 

lay  he  like,     lilank  all   Mexicans,  and  love  good 


.    and  I,  93 


me,  but 

loci  to  tr,  court- 

tiaUnds.  I    othechaii, 

.•:thonty  for  d  :he  blunt,  ton. 

: 

[gilt  and  mi-lit.  -.vhat  steals  a 

rum  e,  that  black-  I  taken  half  a  i, 

od  has  it  clone  him  ?     To  appreciate  liquor 

drill'.,  .ite." 

shouted  some  person  in  t! 

kne-.v  wboutl  .y  laughed. 

1  to  li-ht  his  best  fiien 

m  this  morning  and  can  lick  half  a  do/on  thi, 

B    saiil.     "Who    slung    that    insult    at    my 


hea 

.      Mo  one  cai 
;  dobisthare  <>t  fij 

.;ien  he  knocked  Charley,  th-- 

•r.ornin-  in  the   AdmitW 
..otchmin  sail!,  liiulin-  th.it  : 
I  'in  a  charitable  man.     I  'm  not  «oin-  I  all  of 

this  rum 

• 

«f  — 
• 

•h  it." 

•  :    the   kin'l.  bol 
statemi  M.  f.-r  reax 
red  him  a  debt 

••  I   has  been    thin!.  •   the  run\ 

aucd,  afi 

44 !  • ;:  i,"  one  ol 

,  led,  and  then  ever;, 

' 
Char 

c  Scotchman  asked. 


94  Lewey  and  I. 


"  But  who  will  mix  it?  "  some  one  demanded. 

"I  will,"  was  the  old  sailor's  dignified  reply. 

"  Then  the  saints  help  us,  for  no  one  else  will  get  a  smell,"  a  man  re 
marked,  ami  i.-very  one  laughed. 

"  I  can  tick  you  in  two  minutes,"  Jack  cried  indignantly. 

.,1,  you  won't,  for,  if  you  did,  I  should  n't  feel  like  having  any  of  that 
punch.  Let  's  take  the  rum  first,  and  the  lickin'  arterwards,  if  you  please," 
persisted  the  sailor,  whose  head  seemed  to  be  clear  on  that  point. 

"  I  '11  let  my  two  shipmates,  the  lads,  help  me  do  the  mixing,"  Jack  said 
at  leojth,  and  this  decision  seemed  to  please  every  one,  so  it  was  agreed 
that  seven  o'clock  was  the  proper  hour  for  the  drinking  to  commence,  and, 
with  this  understanding,  the  hide-house  people  separated,  while  Lewey  took 
charge  of  the  jug  of  rum,  and,  to  prevent  a  great  shrinkage  before  the  prop 
<r  time  arrived,  locked  it  up  in  his  chest,  and  put  the  key  in  his  pocket. 

After  siijM>cr  we  procured  some  limes,  brown  sugar,  and  water,  a  pan 
that  had  done  duty  for  various  purposes,  but  was  clean  as  the  kanaka  cook 
could  in. ike  it,  and  concocted  a  punch,  and,  after  Jack  had  sampled  it  sever 
al  times,  he  --aid  it  was  as  good  as  anything  could  be  that  had  so  much  wa 
ter  in  it,  a:id  yet  taste  of  rum.  As  far  as  he  was  concerned  he  did  not  like 
to  have  his  liquor  sweetened.  Pure  aguardiente  was  the  best  for  him,  and 
for  every  one,  but,  as  there  was  not  enough  to  go  around,  he  must  do  the 
best  he  co'iil-.i  by  the  aid  of  water. 

Our  friends  came  trooping   in   at  the   appointed   time,  and   each    man 

brought  a  tin  pot  and  a  chair,  as  our  establishment  could  not  boast  of  glasses 

::ficient   for  all  hands.     Scotch  Jack  did    the  honors,  and  wel- 

v  one  with  that  quiet  geniality  which  he  could  so  well  assume 

when  good-natured. 

til  here,"  he  said,  as  soon  as  the  company  was  seat 
ed  around  the  room,  •'  to  take  a  drink  in  honor  of  the  way  we  licked  the 
greasers,  and  to  say  that  I  thanks  you  for  the  hand  you  lent  me  in  sendin' 
'em  off  to  the  town  in  a  hurry.  I  could  have  whacked  'em  alone,  single- 
handed,  but  I  a'n't  mean,  and  wanted  to  give  all  a  chance." 

he  took  a  tin   pot,  bailed  out  a  liberal  supply  of  the  punch,  threw 
back  his  hi  owed  the  liquor  to  course  down  his  throat  in  a  tantal 

izing  manner  to  the  observers. 

"11   you  keeps  on  that  way  there  won't  be  much  chance  for  us  at  the 
.  at  any  rate,"  one  of  the  rival  hide-house  keepers   muttered,  and 
there  was  a  murmur  of  assent  all  around  the  room  from  men  whose  moutht 
were  watering  fora  taste  of  the  mixture. 


Lewey  and  L 


"  Uon't   you    be    in    such  a  blanked  hurry,"  cried  the  Scotchman. 
knows  what  politeness  is,  and  how  the  quality  does  the  bi;  .en  ship- 

s  meet  for  a  social  glass.     We  is  soing  to  h.i.  .nd  sich  like. 

I    now   gives   you    the   first   regular   one.     Here    il    is. 
greas 

He  put  the  tin  pot  to  his  mouth,  and  took  a  long  pull,  and  there 
deep  groans  from  ail  the  company  present,  for  no  one  was  5n\v  ond 

the  toast,  or  to  drink  to  it. 

Jack  did  not  appear  to  heed  the  ominous  growls.     Ii; 

to  be  on  other  and  more  interesting  matters.      He  looked  around  tlie  room, 
his  weather-beaten   face  all  aglow  with   the  hospitality  which   be  was  dis 
pensing  in  so  liberal  a  manner.     But  he  paid  no  attention  to  the  imp!< 
looks  and  deep  frowns  of  his  audience. 

M  I  '11  now  give  you  the  second  regular  toast,"  the  Scotchman  continued, 
after  he  had  regained  his  breath,  and  then  dipped  his  tin  pot  into  the 
punch  once  more,  not  owning  a  ladle,  and  this  time  every  one  supposed  the 
liquor  was  to  be  passed  around,  and  their  eyes  were  full  of  anticipation,  and 
their  m  luths  of  tobacco. 

••  We  lias  all  heard,"  Jack  continued,  "  that  the  United  States  and 

I  at  war.     We  don't  know  if  it  is  true.     If  it  is  true,  we  will  drink  to  the 
best  man,  and  may  he  win." 

nvcd  a  liberal  allowance  of  the  punch,  and,  as  the  pot  I 
lips,  gazed  around  at  ihe  mourners,  and  remarked,  in  a  mild  and  encourag 
ing  manner,  — 

"  We'll  now  give  three  cheers  for  the  States." 

No  one  responded  to  the  call.     The  company  were  too   indignant   to 
thccr  anything,  or  any  one,  but  more  than  a  dozen  < 
and  looked  the  fight  which  they  felt.     As  for  the  kanakas,  they  chattel  i 
r  musical   tongue,  and  wondered   what  kind  of  a  party  t  :iilor 

invited   them    to,    where   one    man    did    the    drin  '.    all    the 

ig. 

i  don't  seem  to  like  that  toast,"  Jack  said,  after.; 

t  a  little   backward  in  cheerin'  for  the  H..L:  un  have 

sailed  for  so  many  years,  and  eaten  the  l>r<-ad  and  be<  !;cen 

doled  out  to  you  in  full  rations,  and  nn  minis' 

"  Blank  yer  yarnin'  and  chinin'," 
at  the  grog-tub,  and  then  we  '11  cheer  fast  enough. 

seein'   a  shipmate  do  all  the  swillin',  and  we  as  dry  as  an  old  hulk,  v.  hat  i? 
iaid  up  in  ordinary." 


id  I. 


.:.     In  an  absent-i.. 
':pped    his   tin  pot  into  the  punch,  ta.-tc-d  it,  ;o  I 

t  did  not  seem  quite  suited,  as  he  muttered,  — 

ia  pultin'  in  too  much  water.     It  allers  spiles 
i  to  add  v, 

a  chance  t  *    je  what  it  is  like,"  one  man  said,  but  Jack  did  not 
to  hear   him.      He   was   so  .well  satisfied  with  himself  ami  position 

not   to  catch  all  the  complimentary  remarks  which  I 
1    to  him  by  the   company.     Neither   di;l   he   *  .  ihe 

:  .li.M-ontent  that  were  heard  on  all  sides      If  he  . 

they  \\xre    ia-.idatoiy  fol  manner 

i  i  \v!m  h  he  was  presu';  /and    J    weie   an\iuus   to  in- 

mcl  distribute  the  contents  of  the  grog-tub  in   a  l,i;r  ami   impartial 

1-iit  knew  thr.t    if   we  interposed  Jack  would  i  i  v  at  our 

i  use  hot  words.     We  needed  him  as  a  friend  just  at  that  time, 

to   provoke   his   rj'iick   temper,  which  we  expected  t 

. 

i    the   third  regular  toast/'  die  Scotchman  said,  as  1m 
.  ••  and    1  'in  sure  ail  will  jine  me  in  it  without  U 
Ic." 

Jit  all  be  taken  aback,  and  get  starn-way  on  us,  if  you  should  ax 
f   that  'ere  blessed   punch/'  growled   the    masicr   of    tlie 

Jack  rem.irked,     "  All  in  good  time.     Don't  liurry  me, 

and  I  'il  do  mure  \\ork   than  if  I  had   an   orlicer  at  my  lieels  all   day.     The 
<>u  is"  — 

.  e  us  the  drink,  and  keep  the   toasts   t 
lowi,  but  the  Scotchman  did  not  notice  the  interruption. 
.  — 

".vn  noblr  (I  with   three  cheers.     Now.  om.-/' Jack 

"ie  present  responded. 

.i^h    the   j.-ro^ramme,  and    then   dipped  out  another  liberal 
ind  Wat  UOI  I    he   performed   the  difficult 

•  hnun  cried,  with  drunken  -v.ivity, 

a*  1>     :               "-ound  tin- row  r.f  <r,nvU':     I  M  '                       I'.obby  Hums' 

pool  Iu                 !  '  'i:it  Bob- 
by   lii..  : 

As  but  few  present  had  any  acquaintance    with  the  Scotch  bard,  or,  In 


Lei^  /. 


,ot.  knew   wh.it  .j  question,  al- 

..it  he  knew  ti. 
.v  to    II. 
•r'ard  .  ;i^. 

•;  dersundiiijj,  even  if  he  heard  it.      He  took 
>  my  amu.- 


ted.      Wh  ,t    between   a    :  allow 

.it  the   ;M  lor  tliree  .- .v  minutes, 

when:  •>   that   interested    th^n   not,  it 

.under  ti:  .  1:1^  to  i.  ,i,  just 

tvc   token  of   i  :  .:le  his 

_,',  and    he   \\.. 

.^r  the  tune  to  whic.j   tnc   lines 

shoul.;  Cabbed  hi  ustled 

.  mt   of   the  door,  \\in_re   he   re- 
:.i.ike  .1    reliuil  '.. 
;  the  melli  t  of  the  ho1; 

is  of  the  .,>oped 

•.o  minute  lljere   was   not  a  a 
.  lile'loutof  the  hide-house,  h 
each   other   i  .  at  the 

•  quickly. 

••ve  were  aroused  by  liea; 

to  the  house  he  i,     .\.«,   tl  f  the  can 

his   h<  •    :(.^  tun._,,.. 

drunken  i^iin,  — 

t  now.  or 

irned 

• 
fet:I   !';  the  li-hts.  fill- 

•  ilk  over  our  future 
•  then,  and  once  more  we 

if  I. 
-at  on  a  spar,  near  the  hide  house,  in  the  deep  shadow  of  the  build 


Lewy  and  I. 


iag,  and  talked  for  a  Ion-  time,  and,  just  as  we  had  knocked  the  ashes  from 
our  pipes,  and  thought  of  retiring  to  our  bunks,  two  dark  forms  stole  out 
of  the  chapparel,  and  came  toward  us.  They  did  not  notice  us  where  we 
sat,  so  we  kept  perfectly  still,  and  waited  to  see  what  the  visitors  desired, 
as  they  had  come  from  the  direction  of  the  town.  Jack,  our  dog,  u 
the  house,  fast  asleep,  or  he  would  have  given  an  alarm,  and  the  rest  of  the 
canines  were  off  on  the  hills,  making  lively  music  for  the  benefit  of  a  coy 
ote  that  hail  ventured  too  near  the  beach,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  a  su]> 
per  of  refuse  fat  and  scraps  of  hide. 

We  said  nothing,  but  waited.  The  men  stopped,  and  listened  for  a  mo- 
ment,  but,  hearing  no  sound,  went  to  the  corner  of  the  house,  knelt  dour., 
and  we  could  see  them  pile  some  dry  material,  which  they  had  brought  with 
them,  against  the  boards,  and  then  there  was  the  scratching  of  a  match, 
but  it  did  not  ignite  readily,  and  a  second  attempt  was  made. 

"Dey  am  about  to  set  on  fire  cle  buildin',"  whispered  Lewev  "Vot 
skall  vedo?" 

"  Dang  them  over  the  head  with  a  club,"  I  answered,  and  the  proposition 
just  suited  Lewey. 

At  our  feet  was  a  lot  of  fire-wood,  which  had  been  cut  at  odd  intervals, 

when  there  was  no  work  to  be  done  on  hides.     We  selected  heavy  sticks, 

crawled  on  our  hands  and  knees  toward  the  visitors,  for  we  suspected  they 

nged  to  the  Sanchos'  gang,  and  were  to  secure  revenge  for  the  treat- 

ment  they  had  received  during  the  forenoon. 

The  .Mexicans  were  too  much  occupied  in  experimenting  with  matches  to 
notice  us.  In  fact,  one  of  them  uttered  a  strong  "  caramba  "  at  the  failure 

the  lucifer  to  blaze  up,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  boards  of  the  house 
a  little  damp  from  the  late  rains. 

14  Make  haste/'  one  of  the  Mexicans  said  in  a  half  whisper.     "The  dogs 
return  in  a  short  time,  and  bark  their  heads  off  if  they  see  us,  and  then 
the  whole  colony  will  turn   out,  and  give  us  a   lively  chase  all  alon*-  the 
road." 

.''  responded  the  other.     "The  gringos  arc  asleep,  and  nothing 
will  disturb  them   until   morning.     If  we   knew    where   the   boys   slept  we 

make  short  work  of  them  with  our  kn: . 

"  The  risk  would  he  too  great,"  the  other  answered.  "  We  might  stum 
ble  on  that  amirsed  Scotchman.  His  fist  is  like  a  stone,  and  his  strength 
is  that  of  a  hull.  We  will  burn  the  shelter  of  the  accursed  heretics,  and 
then  they  will  be  at  our  mercy.  We  can  clean  out  the  whole  gang  after  tht 
houses  arc  gone." 


Lewey  and  I 


Another  match  was  lighted,  flared  up,  and  we  I  blaze  th«  dark 

s  of  Carlos  Sanchos  and  another  greaser,  whom  we  did  not  know.     The 
kin.:  .ed,  and,  just  as  the  men  arose  to  beat  a  hasty  retreat, 

we  sprang  to  our  feet,  and  struck  the  fellows  two  he  I  on  the  side* 

of  their  heads,  and  they  foil  :ning  had  hit  them,  and  did  not  move, 

except  their  feet,  which  kicked  convuls: 

••  I   a:n  afrai  '.  have  killed  them,"  I  whispered  to  Lewey,  rather 

awed  at  the  crime  we  had  committed. 

Better,"  was  the  cheerful  response  of  our  enemies 

out  of  de  vay,  at  any  rate/'  and  then  we  stamped  out  the  fire,  bent  down  and 
examined  the  bodies  of  the  insensible  men,  removed  their  long  knives  from 
the  she.iths,  an  i  went  to  arouse  Jack,  and  tell  him  what  had  happened. 

But  the  punch   had  such  an  influence  over  the  Scotchman,  that  all  he 
could  say  in  response  to  our  oukl  sing  just  one  more 

son^  :i  take  a  drink,"  and,  pull  as  we  might,  there  was  no  ge: 

him  to  realize  the  sense  of  danger  that  the  hide-house  had  been  in,  so  we 
gave  it  up  as  a  bad  job,  and  went  back  for  the  injured  greasers,  but  they  had 
disappeared  in  some  mysterious  manner,  and  left  no  traces  behind.     They 
i  from  the  blows,  which   were  not  as  bad  as  we  thought,  and 
lie  premises.     We  called  ou    dog,  and  put  him  on  the  trail,  and  he  fol- 
-y  and  I  close  to  hi!  heels,  until  he  came  to  a  lot  of  scrub  oak, 
and  :.  -hat  our  nocturnal  visitors  had  taken  their  horses,  tied  to 

the  tree>.  in  the  direction  of  San    Oicgo.     It   was  useless  to  at 

tempt  to  follow  tin  '.-ailed  of!  our  dog.  and  went  back  to  the  hide- 

house,  thinking  the  fellows'   he.  aching  too  badly  for  a  second  at 

tempt  to  fire  our  building  that  night,  and  we  were  correct  in  our  surmise, 
^  one  disturbed  us,  but  we  took  the  precautions  to  lock  the  outer  door, 
vandcr  in,  and  use  a   knife  on  our  persons,  rt- 
mcmbcring  what  one  of  the  greasers  had  said  on  the  subject. 

i    but  a  hazy  remembrance  of  the  previous 

night's  doings,     lie  knew  that  he  had  enjoyed    himself,  and  supposed  that 
every  one  had  done  the  same.     We  did  not  remind  him  of  his  scant  hospk 
.,  his  atte:  :ig,  or  even  of  the  indignant  rush  of  the  suffering 

people,  who   pitched  him  on  the  sand,  and  then  attacked  the  punch.     It 
would  h  we  done  no    good  to  recall  such  matters,  but  we  did  point  out  the 

where  the  Mexicans  had  attempted   to  fire  the  building,  and  sho 
the  long,  sharp  knives,  as  proof  of  our  assertion,  and  that  all  was  not  a 
dream. 

This   set   Jack   to  thmkinc.  and  he  called  around  at  the  various  hid* 


Lewey   and  I. 


houses,  and  proposed  that  an  anchor  watch  should  be  established  hereafter, 
to  guard  the  property,  and  the  project  was  adopted,  until  all  danger  \\ as 
passed,  and  then  the  men  had  every  night  in,  as  usual. 

We  did  not  hear   from   the   Saih  g    for  several  da\s,  and,  in  the 

meantime,  took  care  not  to  wander  from  the  protection  of  the  beach,  or 
even  O  go  gunning,  for  fear  of  a  sur  i  t  one  morning  Captain  Fitch 

rode  down  to  see  us,  and  stated  that  he  and  the  alcaLla  !, 
from  General  Castro,  and  that  the  military  chiefta-i:  sent  us  permits   to   re 
main  in  the  country,  and  do  as  we  pleased,  as  long  -as   \\e   did    n  t   take  up 
arms  against  the  State.     This  so  disgusted  Sanchos  and   his  gang  that  al) 
had  gone   to  the  Pueblo  los   Angeles,  and   taken  forty  or  fifty  military  re 
cruits.     We  were  now  free,  for  the  time  being,  from  any  molestation  on  his 
part,  but  we  were  advised  to  keep  at  a  distance   from  the  man,  as  In- 
dangerous,  and  might  prove  more  troublesome  i.*  the  fir 

"  My  a-lvice  to  you  now  is  to  ship  on  board  of  some  Anu-ric  m  vessel  that 
is  on  the  coast,  and  get  away  from  here  as  soon  as  possible.  In  time  of 
war:  ll  be  safe  on  the  !  .nil.  Even  I  have  been  molested  se\ 

times  by  bands  of  greasers  calling  at  my  house,  and  ashing  (or  money. 
There  is  a  girl,  the  jailor's  daughter,  who  gives  me  no  peace,  .she  i 

;r  to  know  where  you  two  boys  are  located.    She  :.e  or  bot!. 

you  promised  to  marry  her.     It  is  wrong  to  trifle  with  the  affection 
young  ladies,"  and  he  grinned  as  he  spoke,  as  though  knowing  more  of  our 
doings  in  the  calabozo  than  he  was  disposed  to  t«  11. 

Lewey  blushed,  something  he  was  capable  of  doing  once  in  a  while,  as 
he  said,  — 

"  You  no  tell  her  ve  here.  She  is  one  good  girl,  but  ve  has  troubU 
enough  vidout  vomen  boderin'  us  just  now." 

•  cept  the  girls  you  desire  to  marry  ?  "  hinted  the  captain. 
'  <  )h,  yes,  dem  ve  skall  dink  of  all  do  time,''  my  friend  said. 
"  Weil,  think  ol  them  as  much  as  you  ;  I  I  don't  marry  if  you  know 

what  is  good  for  your  future  welfare,'1  then  the  ca;4ain,  s 
approval  on  our  faces,  continued,  "  I   suppose  that   I   am  only  wasting  my 
in  talking  to  yflu  on  a  su1>je<  •  'i  have   set   your  :  I 

the  best  advice  that  I  am  caniMc  of  administering,  and  you  re!'      • 
•••in  will  think  of  all  that  I  hav  ih.it 

';ad  not  acted  a  little  more  sensibly.     However,  go  your   way,   .u.d  re- 

•hat,  if  you  get  in  a  hard 
and  •  lid  if  i 


•:   some    y  :ne<l  men 

arc  >ut  the  country.     IJut 

' 

:h    produced   a   small  bag  of  goKI,  an  ,d  out 

lor   Leu ey. and  the   like  amount   lui    im>e.i.  t: 
:'t  in  his  1   .  'aptain   l'i 

nom  the  Adnv  1  he  sum  looked  like  a  small  fortune  t 

.ought  that  \ve  could  see  many  months  of  haj-p 
I  on  the  strength  of  the  amount. 
'•  I  r.  11  you  that  ii  is  just  as  well  you  should  ke< 

.his   money.     Give  out   that  you   have   m.;  Q  the 

B  lots  of  greasers  who  would  cut  your  throat  nth 

of  a  gold  piece,  and  think   they  had  committed  no  crime.     If  you  go 

the  country  beg  your  way,  and  return  court  fuse 

e  no  silver  in  exchange,  so  shall  you  escape  some  of  the  d 
gers  of  California.     I   a-n  talking  to  you   now  just  as  though  you  were  my 
own    boys,  for   I   know  that  each  of  you  must  have  relatives  and  friends  at 
home  who  would   thank  me  for  my  advice,  if  they  knew  you  needed  it  as 

<>u  do  just  at  present.'1 

\Ve  were  quite  affected  at  his  words,  and  I  was  more   than   half  inclined 
.e  all  that  the  gentleman  desired,  but  a  glance  at  Lewi-y's  face  prc- 
i  1  made  up  his  mind  to  carry  out  the  programme  marked 
months  before,  and  I  was  weak  enough  to  acquiesce  in  his  decision. 

ijeen  better  for  both  of  us  if  we  had  li  :th  more  at 

tention,  and  weighed  well  his  words,  and  let  the  girls  we  tin 

>  in  search  of  other  husbands.     The  captain  was  :i  man  of  ex; 
ence  in  t.  >rld  in  which  he  lived,  and  knew   :  uter 

iy.     He   was  familiar   with   their  good  qualiti-  .1  of 

bad  ones,  and  so  moved  along  in  the  society  in  win 

aim'  it   a  jar.  making  money  out  of  those   wh<»  desired  to  borrow, 

and  taki  -  t   of  twelve  per  cc  a  little  more, 

i  the  security  ful,  with  charming  frankness  and  good -nature, 

•r.dly  do.     The  principal  was  in.  as  a 

-r  of  course,  for  the  fascinating  game  of  monte  was  more  attractive  to 
the  .t  m  than  the  payment  of  rolled  on, 

the  captain  grew  richer,  and  the  natives  of  the  State   poorer,  and    the   more 
pov  m   the  la  reater  their  pri-le  and  arrogance, 

the  more  urc-nt  th  loans,  on  estates  already  en 

cumbered  with  mortgages. 


Lewey  and  f. 


" 1  will  send  you  a  few  notes  of  introduction  to  various  parties  on  the 
coast,  and  in  the  interior,"  the  captain  said,  after  he  had  waited  for  us  to 
digest  his  words,  and  saw  that  he  had  not  produced  the  effect  intended. 
"  They  may  be  of  use  to  you.  At  any  rate  they  can  do  no  harm.  In  them 
I  shall  state  the  reason  why  you  were  discharged  from  your  ship,  and  your 
desire  to  become  ranchcros,  or  cattle-raisers.  Without  such  papers  the 
Americans  at  the  Pueblo,  Santa  Barbara,  and  other  places  might  think  you 
were  deserters,  and  so  turn  the  cold  shoulder  to  you  when  lucre  was  need 
of  their  assistance.  You  must  not  expect  that  every  American  or  English 
man  on  the  coast  will  receive  you  with  open  arms,  for  they  won't.  If  \ou 
are  asked  to  dine  with  them,  it  may  be  in  the  kitchen  where  your  food  will 
be  served,  and  not  in  the  best  room  in  the  house,  for  we  have  an  aristocra 
cy  here  as  well  as  in  other  countries,  and  the  line  is  drawn  at  sailors. 
I  know,"  the  captain  added  hastily,  seeing  that  we  were  inclined  to  inter 
rupt  him,  "what  you  would  say.  I  have  not  the  slightest  doubt  but  that 
you  are  as  good,  and  belong  to  as  respectable  families  as  any  on  the  coast, 
but  you  have  served  as  sailor  boys  on  vessels,  and  that  cuts  you  off  from 
all  acquaintance  with  the  better  classes  of  the  State." 

"  But  if  ve  skall  rise  up,  and  become  rich.  Den  vot  vill  dey  say  to  us  ?  " 
asked  Lewey. 

"  When  you  arrive  at  that  position  you  will  be  able  to  answer  the  ques 
tion  to  your  entire  satisfaction,  and  need  no  help  from  me,"  was  the  gentle 
man's  reply. 

Some  years  after,  a  French  corvette,  of  thirty  guns,  anchored  in  San 

harbor,  and  all  the  officers  were  welcomed  and  made  much  of  by  the 

elite  of  the  town.     Among  those  who  strove  to  make  the  French  gentlemen 

content  was  Captain   Fitch.     He  gave  a  grand  soiree  at  his    house  to  the 

commander  of  the  corvette  and  the  officers,  and,  while  drinking  toasts,  took 

occasion  to  compliment  the  master  of  the  man-of-war  on  his  excellent  Eng- 

The   latter  smiled,  as   he   turned   to   the    host  and    said,   in   our 

tongue,  — 

"Do  you  clink  dat  I  could  be  admitted  to  any  of  de  houses  in  dis  country 
on  a  perfect  equality  you  know  ? " 

"  Most  certainly.  Why  should  you  not  be?  Your  rank  will  cause  all  to 
pay  the  most  marked  respect  to  a  gentleman  like  yourself,"  Mr.  Fitch 
answered. 

"  But  s'pose  I  should  inform  you  dat  at  one  time  I  vas  only  a  sailor  boy 
on  a  vessel  under  de  American  flag  ? "  the  captain  of  tho  French  ship-of-war 
continued. 


and  1. 


at  would  make  no  difference  to  ui  in  this  St  Fitch  respond- 

uJge  a  man  by  his  merits  alone." 

"But  if  1   should  further  inform  you  dat  I  vos  vonce  a  prisoner  in  your 

calabozo,  den  vot  vould  you  say?"  asked  tke  French  gentleman,  with  a 

smile,  as  he  thought  of  other  days,  and  glanced  around  the  room   in  which 

h*  .J,  sunounded  by  all  the  handsome  ladies  of  San  Diego,  and 

.L-ntial  gentlemen. 

-ould  think  that  your  excellency  was  joking  with  me  Cor  some  pur 
pose,"  Captain  Fitch  replied. 

"  But  I  is  not  joking.  I  is  very  serious.  I  comes  in  dis  port  jist  to  see 
de  old  place  some  more.  Vill  you  believes  me  vhen  I  tells  you  d.it  in  dis 
bery  room  I  vonce,  in  company  vid  a  bery  bad  American  boy,  mine 

.  I  den,  my  best  of  friends  now,  gives  vhat  ve  calls  a  performance  of 
legerdemain,  for  de  amusement  of  you  and  your  guest 

"Impossible,"  Captain    Fitch   ci!  uo  nut   recollect   the  circum 

stance.     You  must  be  poking  fun  at  me,  for  some  purpose  or  o1 

.'.en  to  me,"  the  French  gentleman  remarked,  in  a  calm  tone.  "  One 
day,  some  years  ago,  vhen  mine  friend  and  mineself  vas  at  de  hide-house, 
on  de  beach,  you  ask  us  to  gib  de  performance  for  de  fun  of  your  friends, 
and  you  tells  us  ve  can  hab  de  supper  in  one  room  by  ourselves,  but  ve  can 
not  eat  at  de  same  table  vid  your  guests.  Dat  did  not  hurt  our  feel: 

ve  did  for  de  company.     Ven  de 

formance  vas  about  vot  you  call  ober,  von   Mexican  p.  ncd  San- 

chos,  entered  de  apartm«nt,  and  arrest  mine  friend  Thorn,  and  take  him  to 
de  calabozo,  on  de  charge   of   being  a  i   no  recollect  de  ding 

now 

.lin  Fitch  was  astonished,  and  well  he  might  be,  at  the  singular  tide 
of  fortune  that  had  carried  Lewey  from  a  hide-house  to  the  quarter-deck 
of  a  French  ihip-of-war.  The  circumstance  all  came  back  to  the  gentle- 
roan,  and  for  a  moment  there  \\.is  nvu  h  astonishment  to  see  the  Frenchman 
and  the  former  Am  -rican  rise  from  their  places  at  the  table,  shake  handc 
with  great  eagerness  and  cordiality,  and  then  stand  and  look  at  each  other 
for  a  long  time,  their  hearts  too  full  for  the  words  that  wanted  to  flow,  but 
did  not,  on  account  oi  gladness  and  surprise.  The  two  men  could  not  real 
ize  the  great  change  that  had  occurred  in  their  positions  in  life,  and  the  cap 
tain  of  the  ship-of  war,  as  lie  wiped  away  the  ;rom  his  eyes,  was 
heard  to  mutter,  — 

M  I  'd  gib  one  dousind  dollars  if  here  on  dis  occasion  to  tak% 

part  in  it,  and  I  kno-.vs  dat  he  voul  -id  for  de  chance/' 


.y  and  /. 


tain  Fitch,  when  he  could  recover  his   breath,  an  1   g<  t   over  his 
asto.,1  -  j  nent,  told  the  wunde.tul  s.ory  of  •<  i,  to 

his  Me  .ican  and  American  friends  present.  ey,  in  the    French    lan 

guage,  related  his  nnai.iUt,  nut  only  at  Ca  >..i',.i     Fitch's 

but  at  Monterey,  and,  to  j  i  l^e  from  t!:  .  nu 

clei  friend  must  haw  s  funny  things,  but  I  hope  he  told   the   truth 

about  me.  and  took  his  share  of  the  blame,  where  the  L-.'.tjr  came  in,  espec 
ially  all  that  related  to  the  firey  serpent. 

1    have  since  been  told,  by  the   French  nav.d   ofnVer,  and  those  \vh 
with  him  on  that  memorable  day,  that  there  was  m  >rc  ci:  (hunk  at 

the  feast  than  was  ever  known  before  or  since,  aa  1.  when  all  hand 
fuil  .  proposed   that    the    whole    company  si: 

mart  h  tbl  'hat   was  re- 

caved  with  cheers,  and.  arm  in  arm,  Mexican  and    Frenchman,  ladies  and 

caba  'lt-''l  lno  1  •  t!ie 

onlv  rit  that  occurred  was  when  a  dry,  black,  wrinkled 

woman   threw    herself   into   the    French    captain's  arms,  and  called  him  her 
.sure,  and  a  bad    man   at   the   same   time.     It  was  the  jail  ik-i, 

mi  ae  mother  of    six  ch  Idien.     Tiu  !  privately  sent  her 

a  do  lar.  a •».!   ia:.lrnctions    what  to  do.  and  the  ri^ht  time  to  make  the  » 
ons:  :  diable  episode  ot  the  dav,  for  even  the  la 

cut  sen  amed  with  delight  at  the  spectarie  of  a   naval  captain,  in  foil  tin! 
form,  b-.-in-^  enibi  :  'ialf-nake  ::*.an.     Justice  to   1. 

ile  that  he   treate 
tho-i  •!  the   saints  in  the  calender,  that  he  had   never  i 

love    to   her,  or  proiivsed    to    marry  her.  and  that 
Miie  otlier  person,  and  meanly  hinted  that  I 
ie  believed  him,  I  hope. 

LCU.  .  after  he  had  extricated  himself  from  her  embrace, 

a   t  iccc,  s«-nt   her  from  the    shin  some  jewelry,  a   few 

i   handkerchiefs,  but   never  sou-lit  a  second    interview. 

19  do  the  loves  of  our  younger  days  pass  from  o;ir  minds,  and  lie  buried 

in  i'  of  youthful  fancies,  and,  when  I  think  of  the  matter,  I  am  in. 

clined  to  the  opinion  t'.  .veyard  of  affairs  of  the  hear 

:  storked  with  broken  hopes  and  forgotten  protestations  of  eternal  fideli 
ty  on  his  part. 

But  all   this   Is  i  to  the   fart  that  we  were  seated  at  a  tab'.-  in  our 

hidt-hou^-.  and  listening  to  the  kind  words  of  Captain  I  nised 

us  letter?,  of  recommendation   to  his   friends,  and,  when  he  had   taken  his 


anJ  I.  105 


Ir.ive,    we   m.i-'c   ui>  our   inin  "s   to   make  the  jo::  lUnche 

.1   with  ti 
.\   tliat    ba 
shine  on  o-.  '*  our  li\\ 

iijuntlis. 
were  mistaken    in   the  lif«-   \ve  were   to  Ir.i  1   will  be    • 

for  who  cou!.'  nagincd  the  tryin*:  scenes  tin 

\ve  ni'.i  -e  to  endure,  the  dangers   to 

enemies   •  i'.ic-*  and   ck-fc.i',  the   warm 

!  shcltercfl  us  so  that  at  ' 

our  lives. -inrl  thus   lived    to   re-join  cur  relatives  at  sor.: 
r,  af  youn^  men. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

PREPARATIONS  FOR  A  LONG  JOURNEY.  —  FAREWELL  TO  SAN  DIEGO.  — 
EN  ROUTE  TO  RANCHE  REFUGO.  —  A  VAQUKRO  AND  BULL. —  THE 
LONELY  ADOBE  HOUSE,  AND  A  PRAIRIE-FLOWER.  —  THE  MOUNTAIN 
LION.  —  LEWEY  IS  AGAIN  IN  LOVE.  —  AN  INTERRUPTION  TO  A  MID 
NIGHT  COURTSHIP. —  THE  THREAT.  —  WILD  INDIANS  ON  THE  TRAIL. 

WE  were  in  no  hurry  to  start  on  our  long  and  dangerous  journey  to 
Ranche  Refugio,  for  it  was  the  winter  season,  and  sometimes  the 
rain  fell  in  torrents,  so  we  knew  the  streams  would  be  swollen,  and  danger 
ous  to  crois.  We  had  thought  of  obtaining  passage  in  a  sailing  vessel 
bound  up  the  coast,  but  none  entered  the  harbor  for  several  weeks,  most  of 
the  ships  bei:  Francisco,  lying  there  for  security,  while  the  north 

west  and  south  vjst  gales  prevailed.     One  bark,  the  Don  Quixote,  came  to 
an  anchor  at  >,  and  loaded  with  tallow  for  Callao.      We  could  have 

shipped  on  board  of  her,  and  were  urged  to  do  so  by  the  master,  but  Lewey 
••1  being  married,  and  I  could   not  bear  to  disappoint  his 
I  ipations,  and  30  the  chance  passed  away. 

.•  thought  of  taking  an  otter-hunter's  boat,  and  skirt  alone: 
the  coast,  lauding  at  night  for  shelter,  but  the  people  to  whom 
we  spoke  on  the  subject,  men  who  knew  just  what  we  would  have  to  en 
counter,  protested  against  the  scheme  as  being  too  dangerous  and  impracti 
cable  in  th-  \v inter  season,  when  sales  were  frequent,  and  the  surf  fearful. 
They  sai-i  \vj  might  be  capsized,  or  driven  to  sea.  in  a  sudden  squall,  before 
we  could  make  a  landing,  and  that  no  boat  could  live  in  such  waves  as 
were  prevalent  between  San  Diego  and  Santa  Barbara. 

Jack  was  in  no  hurry  for  us  to  leave  the  shelter  of  the  hide-house.  He  was 
accustomed  to  our  society,  and  knew  that  he  would  miss  us  when  wa  took 
our  departure  for  good.  He  talked  to  us  with  all  the  sariousness  ®f  a 


Ltwey  and  1.  107 


father  on  the  unwise  course  we  had  marked  out,  and  declared  that  no  good 
would  come  of  it,  he  was  sure.  We  were  welcome  to  1  .  i  with  him  as 
long  as  we  desired,  and  do  no  work  unless  it  suited  us.  but  all  his  argu 
ments  were  lost,  and  at  last  he  spared  his  breath.  t  no  im- 
"Cession  was  made  on  our  plans. 

It  was  rarely  that  we  heard  from  the  North.     Once  in  a  while  a  courier 
would  arrive  with  despatches  for  the  alcalda,  but  no  battles   were  reported, 
excepting  a  few  slight  skirmishes  with  Captain  Fremont  and  his   c 
on  the  shores  of  San  Francisco  Bay,  or  the  banks  of  the  .v 
But  it  was  stated  that  General  Castro  had  the  Amer;  where  he 

wanted  them,  and  that  the  whole  gang  of  invaders  would  soon  be  captured. 
We  did  not  think    there   was  much   probability  of  a   long  struggle,  a> 
hoped  the   Californians  would   remain   neutral  during  the  war,  as  Captain 
Graham,  of  Santa  Cruz,  advised,  and  so  we  went  on   with  our  preparations 
for  departure,  just  as  though  the  country  was  at  peace. 

We  had  much  to  do  before  we  commenced  our  journey,  and  many  things 
to  pick  up.  We  found  at  one  of  the  hide-houses  two  light  rifles,  which 
some  trappers  had  left  there  years  before,  and  never  calk  ,  i-.ey  were 

in  good  order,  and  needed  only  a  little  oil  to  work  perfectly.     With  them 
were  bullet  moulds  and  powder  flasks.     There  was  no  trouble  in  securing 
caps  and  ammunition  at  the  town,  so  that  in  this  rtsi  ec  t  i.t-.r  eqi.ij  mcnt 
complete.     We  purchased  the  rifles  for  the  sum  of  ten  dollars,  and  the  sell- 
«r  thought  he  got  a  good  price  for  the  guns,  as  he  ne .  them,  prefer 

ring  the  old-fashioned  ship's  musket  to  any  other  firearm  that  :  in 

vented.     Then  we  hunted  up,  by  the  aid  of  friends  ,iirs 

of  small  pistols,  not  of    much  use.  except  at  cl  -ters,  but,  as  they 

were  light,  we  thought  it  desirable  to  possess   them.     We   made  s:ra; 
sling  our  rifles  over  our  shoulders   when  traveling,  some   s- 
wear  around  our  waists,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  o  ves,  and 

bags  of  can  vis  to  hold  our  discharge  papers,  the  permits   i  eral 

Castro,  and  letters  of  recommendation  of  Captain  Fitch,  addressed  to  peo 
ple  along  the  route. 

Our  next  business  was  to  seek  to  purchase  two  mustangs  and  sadc!l< 
this  we  were  enabled  to  do,  yet  horses  were  cheap,  and  saddles  (.\< 
our  friend,  the  captain,  had  some    old  second-hand  equipmr  h  he 

had  taken  for  debts  from  drunken  greasers,  years  before,  and  he  let  us 
have  them  at  a  cheap  rate,  lariats  and  all.  We  exercised  our  animals 
every  day,  after  we  obtained  possession,  and  thus  got  accustomed  to  their 
ways,  and  enured  emrwvvs  to  the  .use  of  the  saddle.  At  night  we  would 


Lewcy  and  /. 


•   ed  on  the  grass  near  the  hide-hous  iier,  just 

ountry  was   then  brilliant  with  a  green  covering,  and  th» 
flowers  xvv'u  in  full  bloom  in  every  direction,  or  where  th  u  not  toD 

se  for  them  to  ob'ain  a  little  nourishment. 

\Ve  were  in  high  spirits  over  our  anticipated  excursion,  as  we  thought  of 
the  pleasure.',  of  riding  through  the  country,  and  seeing  its  wonders,  camp- 
when   we    pleased,  and    moving  on  when  it  suited  our  convenience,  our 
»  and  under  no  one's  control.     Lut  Scotch  Jack  was  dis.sati> 

\  r.onts,  and  uttered  ominous  growls  of   warning  as  to 

the  ••  we  might  have  to  encounter,  for  he   had   a   much  greater  ap 

preciation  of  the  difficulties  of  the  journey  than  we  did. 

It   was    near  the  first   of    April    when  all  of  our  arrangements  were  com 
pleted,  an  i    we    were   ready  for  the  journey.     The  steady,  heavy  rains  had 
ed,  but  there  were  occasional  showers  night  and  morning.     The  whole 
country  was  verdant,  and  filled  with    the  perfume  of  thousands  <  f  strange 
and   brilliant-hued   flowers.     The  gales   had  degenerated  into  soft  breezes, 
that  came  from  the  north   and  west,  invigorating  and  healthy.     The  lungs 
and  under  their  influence,  and  we  could  bathe  in  the  morning 
in  the  salt  waters  of  the  bay,  stand  on  the  soft  sand,  and  inhale  the  delic 
ious  atim.s.  here,  then  go  back  to  the  hide-house,  and  create  •  ;ion 
in  the   mind  of  the   kanaka  cook  at  our  desperate  attack  on  the  fried  beef- 

ue. 

; light  before  we  were  to  leave,  in  consideration  of  the  kindness  we 
had  received  from  everyone  on  the  beach,  we  resolved   to  give   a  farewell 
ir  old  friends.     We   readily  obtained    Jack's  consent  to  the  pro 
ject,  only  stipulating   that,   as  we   were  to  be  the  hosts,  it  was  necessary  he 
'.  1   not  boss  operations,  as  he  had  done  on  one  memorable  occasion, 
hank   nearly  all  the   punch  before  the  indignant  guests  rose  up,  and 
him  to   the    right  and  left,  and  then  deposited  him  on  the  cool  sand, 

tinst  further  exhibitions  of  selfish 

It  was  some  time  before  we  coulu  get  t!>e  Scotchman  to  promise  that  he 
would  not  interfere,  i)«it  we  had  to  consent  to  his  petition  for  permission  to 
in.ik-  .  and  sing  one  of  Burns'  songs.  When  this  was  arranged  all 

the  rest  \vas  clear  work.  We  went  around  to  the  hide-houses,  and  person 
ally  invited  the  sailors  and  kanakas.  All  reluctantly  agreed  to  come,  al 
though  the  keeper  of  the  rival  establishment  said  he  'd  be  blanked  if  he  was 
going  t')  any  more  shindies  where  one  man  did  all  the  talking  and  drinking, 
and  gave  no  one  else  a  chwnce  at  the  grog-tub. 

"  But  tiii.  time/'  we  pleaded,  "Jack  will  not  havt  the  itrving  o*t  of  tfct 


109 


H?  will  1  •  '-e  'II  see 

::r   full   share    when   tlu 

!iat  Scotchman 

a  it  comes  to  drinkin'  and  fightin'   he  wants  more  than  his 
•  omcver,  bcin*  as  it  is  you,  and  'cos  you  is  about  • 

.  I  don't    mind   if  I   comes  < 
n\  just  to  see  the  boys,  and  help  alon^  the  : 
^nt  up  to  San    Diego  for  two  gallons  of   aijuardieir- 
'he  precaution  of  despatching  a  different  nv 

•    v;c>-.:sly  entrusted  with  sucli  a  delicate  u.:ty.  ;>".t   it    • 

-  lilor,  who  \vds   called   upon  {• 

.  h.il.i  drunk  on  .ich,  so  our  pad.  ..  ^  little  de- 

»n  on  its  .  the  own 

_;:i:int  at  such  rank  treachery,  and  .is  not 

.  on   the   .shore   who  was  fit  to  be  trusted  with  ruin.  «. 
and   that  the  next  time  an  entertainment  the 

erran  cn<i  uj>on  him. 

card  this  remark  he    winked   very  scrioi: 

.'iat  Jack  had  no  fear  of  rum.  and  would   a 
-ne  there  was  a  chance  for  an  encounter,  and  yet  he   was  th: 

just  as  often  as  they  came  to  close  qu  >tch- 

hen  he  was  vanquished,  and  still  fo/ght  on.  against  dcs- 

nch,  and  at  seven  o'clock  our  friends 

linking  tin  pots  and  chairs.     Their  eyes  glistened  as 

the  grog-tub,  but  all  were  patient,  even   if  u  .ces 

It,  u  if  fearful  that  he  might  disappoint  them  at  the  last 

i  ire  than  his  share  of  punch. 
very  \\c  I.  all    things  considered,  and,  af* 

!i  person  !  supply  of  liquor,  and  all   had  tasted  and  ap- 

i  their  pipes,  and  prepared  to  listen,  I  stepped  to  the  table, 
i  short  speech. 

:id  shipm  i  are  about 

.til    for   other   parts.      Ilefore   ue  .square  :r-  !apc  our 

course,  U  t  me,  in  behalf  of  Lewey  and  myself,  return  thanks  for  the  sailor- 
like  treatment  we  have  received  at  your  ha;. 

hccr<    for    tin- 
Will,  and  then  all  held  out  their  tin  pots  for  a  further  supply  of  punch. 


1 10  Lcivey  and  I. 


We  complied  with  the  mute,  but  significant  appeal,  and  I  continued  roy 
address. 

u  When  we  were  threatened  with  arrest  by  a  gang  of  land-lubber  greasers 
you  stepped  to  the  front,  and  drove  the  scoundrels  to  their  dens.  W<  shall 
never  forget  it,  and  hope  some  day  to  again  see  you,  and  to  once  more  fill 
the  grog  tub  at  our  expense.  " 

There  was  a  roar  of  applause,  and,  at  its  conclusion,  Jack  sprang  to  his 
feet,  and  replied  to  my  speech. 

He  said  that  he  was  an  old  man,  and  had  knocked  about  the  \vorl. 1  for 
fifty -five  years.  He  had  served  in  line-of-battle  ships,  frigates,  and  in  mcr 
chantmen,  and  he  wanted  it  understood  that  better  shipmates  he  had  never 
fell  in  with  than  Lewey  and  myself.  We  reminded  him  of  one  of  Hums' 

.  which  he  could  not  remember  very  well,  but  would  try  and 
for  the  gratification  of  the  company  present,  if  any  one  desired  him,  and 
forthwith,  without  waiting  for  a  vote  on  the  subject,  commenced   howling 
the  old  song, — 

M  A  man  's  a  man  for  a'  that," 

but  the  noise  and  confusion  was  so  great  that  we  could  not  see  the  con 
nection  between  the  song  and  ourselves,  and,  after  Jack  had  \ellecl  himself 
into  an  intense  state  of  perspiration  and  thirst,  there  were  loud  calls  for 
more  punch,  and  thunders  of  applause  for  the  song. 

We  did  not  drink  any  of  the  mixture  except  once,  in  response  to  a  toast 
honorable  to  ourselves,  and  to  show  that  we  were  not  too  proud  to  share  in 
the  fun  of  the  people  on  the  beach.  Had  \ve  refused  to  partake  of  a  glass, 
in  company  with  our  guests,  there  would  have  been  strong  muttcrings  of 
discontent,  and  this  ,we  desired  to  avoid,  wishing  to  leave  a  good  impres 
sion  behind  after  we  were  gone. 

At  nine  o'clock  the  punch  was  entirely  consumed,  and  wistful  glances 
cast  around  the  room  for  more.  No  person  was  intoxicated,  but  all  had 
enough  (or  one  evening  at  least,  and,  when  some  of  the  kanakas  «  ommenced 
:i  and  Jack  proposed  to  sing  another  song,  the  people  st:>le  quietly 
out  of  t;.e  mom,  and  sought  the  seclusion  of  their  own  quarters  for  the 
night. 

The  Scotchman  looked  around  in  a  dazed  sort  of  manner,  as  though  won- 

d         ;  why  men   should   be  so   lacking   in   good   taste,  then   blinked  some 

,  es  to  his  iican's  content,  and  went  to  bed,  while  we  cleared  up  th« 

room,  gave  it  a  good  airing,  and  turned  in  also,  thinking  of  what  kind  of  a 

place  we  should  find  to  sleeo  in  the  next  nijrht,  when  on  our  journey. 


Lewcy  and  I.  ill 


The  following  day  was  bright  and  pleasant.  We  were  up  at  an  early 
hour,  had  a  good  swim,  ted  our  horses  with  a  little  barley,  packed  our  blan 
ket*,  dressed  in  full  suits  of  Mexican  clothes, —sombrero  and  leggings, 
•pura  and  knives,  — and,  after  breakfast,  saddled  our  animals,  and  then  pre- 
pared  to  take  leave  of  our  old  shipmate. 

"You  know,  boys,"  the    Scotchman  said,  as  his  voice   grew  husky,  and 

hii  eyes  moist,  "that  I  is  agin  the  whole  thing.     But  you   is  bound  to  go, 

and  go  that  's  the  end  of  it.     But  if  you  wants  to  come  back  your  old  bunks 

ad>-  for  you  at  any  time,  and  you  will  always  find  a  friend  in  Scotch 

Jack/ 

•  •  \\\-  know  it,  old  shipmate,"  we  answered,  "and  perhaps  we  may  return 
sooner  than  you  expect.  We  shall  leave  all  of  our  effects  here,  —  chests 
and  bedding,-— and  if  you  never  hear  from  us  consider  the  property  your 
own.  Use  it  just  as  you  please.  We  make  you  our  heir-at-law." 

••  I  don't  care  so  much  for  the  dunnage,  lads,  as  I  do  for  you,"  was  the 
answer.  "  Come  back  to  me,  and  the  chests  may  go  to  blankation.  But," 
and  here  the  thoughtfulness  and  prudence  of  the  Scot  came  in  play,  "  jist 
you  put  them  sentiments  of  yours  in  writin',  and  then  everythin'  will  be 
shipshape  in  case  anythin'  should  happen  to  you." 

We-  readily  complied  with  the  request.  We  drew  up  papers,  stating  that 
Jack  was  to  inherit  all  of  our  property,  in  case  of  death,  and  called  in  the 
master  of  the  rival  hide-house  to  witness  our  signatures,  and,  after  that  duty 
was  performed,  the  question  arose,  for  the  first  time,  what  we  should  do 
with  our  do.;  Jack.  The  animal  knew  that  we  were  making  preparations 
for  departure,  and  he  was  restless  and  anxious,  for  fear  he  would  be  left  be 
hind.  He  moved  about  the  house,  around  it,  and  then  returned  and  looked 
in  our  faces,  as  if  he  desired  to  speak,  and  express  his  sentiments,  if  he 
was  to  he  deserted.  In  this  respect  he  was  almost  human,  and  his  bright 
«.  eyes  pleaded  for  consideration  at  our  hands,  as  dog  never  did  before, 
it  seemed  to  us. 

•  skall  ve  do  vid  him  ?"  Lewey  asked.     "  Vill  ve  takes  him,  or  leaves 
him  here  vid  our  friend 

"  I  '11   look  arter  him.  lads,  if  you  desire  me  to  do  so,"  the   Scot' 
said,  but  the  dog  did  not  notice  the  kindness  expressed.     He  wh 
gazed  at  us  in  a  pitiful  way,  and  almost   barked   his  head   off,  as  I  re 
marked,  — 

44  He  will  be  lots  of  company  for  us,  and  a  good  lookout  nights,  when  we 
camp  out.  Yes,  let  us  take  old  Jack  with  us." 

:rics  of  ioyful  yelps,  and  made  frantic  effort*  to  reach 


Lew 


my  f.irc,  so  th.it  he  co ••'  :  j     ;ion  it,  and,  when  he  found  t! 

%;onsof  affection,  turned  his  attention 

to  Lewey,  an  eivcd  his  full  share  of  Jack  ions 

of  del 

-•  packed  up  in  a  bag  a  stock  ol    pilot  1 
S  salt,  and  a    huge   piece  of  old  junk 

boi!  -.ion,  in   case  we  should  not  encounter  a 

ranehc  d  After  we  had  stowed  all  the  articles  on 

rfona   hido-houses  gathered  around,  and  in- 
'..iking  hands,  and,  as  so  ";ad  done  so,  the  Scotchman 

it  for  three  cheers,  and   they  were  given   with   a  will,  and  then  we 
mounted  -lent  mustangs,  am  hied  down  the  road,  and  the  last  u 

!e  W.T*  the  fatherly  advice  of  the  master  of  the  rival 
hide-hoi:  -  I  out,  — 

"  Bo;  >r  have   anything  to  do   with  'em. 

The\ 

vaved  hack  a  r'cn<>nition  of  the  intended  kindness,  and  then  we  were 

loping  a!  ind  the  dog  was  nearly  crazy  at  the  prospect  of 

:  he  had  known  all  he  was  to  encounter  it  is  quite  probable  he 

remain  on  the  beach,  and  live  in  idleness,  the 

iny:  the  best  fighter  of  the  lot,  and  there 

,  of  the  trail  that  led  to  Los  Angeles,  as  we  had  made 
urit-rs  and  vaqucros  who  had  crossed  the  plains  and 

mouv  ier  and  winter,  and  they  had  told  us  how  to  proceed  by 

the  -  lc  route.     They  said  that  the  passage  through  the  can 

yons  of  the  Si  .ins  was  the  worst  part  of  the  journey,  and 

vouM  Inve  to  dismount,  and  lead  our  horses,  as  the 
:•>  also  advised  to  keep  a  sharp  !• 

>.  and  to  shun  both    if   possible,  a^  a 

:  with  either  \vo-.il  \  \  >  our  renown  in  case  of  defeat.     Of   ^amc 

•her--  ral-bits,  deer,  and  quail,  with  an  occasion 

al  rrttlesn  -.!.<•  tl  rown  in,  by  the  9  .riety.     We  needed  no  -,\  »rdi  CM 

••n  all  occasions.     \l.  ren 

while   in   California.     Then 

'  : -c  of  acr;  i,.id 

:  iins  were  filled  with  tr.uit,  and  no  one 

but  the  I.  !  them. 

tugh  to   enable  us 


Lewcy  and  I. 


>••)  to  use    them  on   t 

trav  with  us,  thinking  that  our  ' 

us,  and  not  he    rendered    uiicnmfort. 
la  of  their  position  in 

tens  ovcrskirt  and  one  under-garment  being  all 

• 

.iit  Lcwey.  as  we  struck  the  trail,  and  headed  North,  leavi 
slee;  -\  Diego  in  the  rear,  ••  is  de  suhlimest  of  ha; 

:orc  us.     Ve  is  our  o\vn.  masters.     I   c 
shout 

I  did  n't  i  '   for,  the  truth  was,  I  saw  the  dangers  and  t: 

our  journey  much  more  vividly  before  us   than  my  friend,  whose  happ;. 
ture  was  like  mercury  in  a  glass,  —  constantly  going  up  and  down,  and 

gth  of  time. 

'•  If  wo  should  meet  w'r.h  :i  gri>ly  bear,  Lewey,"  I  asked,  "you  would  not 
!<  it,  1  ho 

ild  n't  I?"  was  the  indignant  answer.  "  Vy,  Jack  and  me 
could  knock  de  vust  bear  in  California  end  for  end,  and  dink  nothin' 
of  it." 

I   h.L-  -uhts  on   ihe  subject,  but  did  not  express  them,  as  I  knc\v 

that  Lcwcy  hid  made  up  his  mind  what  he  could  do,  and  only  reality  \\ 
convince  him  to  the  contrary,  and   so  we  loped   along  the  narrow  trail,  in- 
duL:  ttion  when  in  the  mood,  and  walking  our  horses  as  soon 

as  t'  •  .>  of  warmth. 

We  left   the  1  •  farm-house,  where  there  were  ten  thousand 

cattle  gr  <r,  all  looking  up  at  us  in  a  strange,  wild  manner,  at. 

threatening  were  thoir  movements,  because  Jack  had  invaded  their  ret' 
—  they  «!i  !  not  1  ke  his  looks,  thinking  he  was  a  strolling  coyote,  —  tl: 
save  him  from  violence,  and  ourselves   from   a   desperate  char- 
mou'  the  dog  on  the  pummel  of  my  saddle,  where  he  (' 

quite  co;.  tl  if  he  was  aware  of  my  kindness,  and  could  anprcci..: 

;e  too  much  accustomed  to  horsemen  to  care  fort 
thc\  k-u  •  ;  to  that  part  of  the  and  one  1 

bull,  tint  had  seen  many  a  conflict,  and   beaten   th- 

time  again,  uttered   an  !'>w,  and  moved   slowly  toward  us.  as  if  on 

tn  i  on. 

"  Vc  m;-t  quicken  d<?  pace,"  said    Lewey,"or  de  blanked  bull  vill  be 
afoul  of  us,  and  ca»-ry  avay  our 


!I4  Ltwey  and  I. 


This  was  his  nautical  manner  of  expressing  fear  that  the  bull  would 
knock  us  over,  in  case  he  should  use  his  horns  in  desperate  earnestness. 

Just  as  we  were  about  to  touch  our  horses  with  the  spurs,  out  from  the 
high  chapparel  and  tall  grass,  on  the  side  of  the  trail,  burst  a  wild-looking 
ranchero,  with  long  black  hair,  two-thirds  Indian  and  the  balance  poor 
Mexican  blood,  mounted  on  a  splendid  mustang,  that  was  quivering  with 
life  and  exciterf1**,xunder  the  stimulant  of  a  pair  of  cart-wheel  spurs, "which 
jingled  as  the  fellow  rode  toward  us,  circling  a  iround  his  head,  and 

uttering  fiendish  shouts,  whether  of  welcome  or  defiance  we  could  not 
tell. 

"Prenez  garde,"  whispered  Lewey,  forgetting  his  English  for  the  mo, 
ment,  and  we  would  have  halted,  and  awaited  the  approach  ot  the  vaquero, 
to  see  what  his  intentions  were,  but  that  confounded  bull  was  near  tht 
heels  of  our  horses,  and  we  did  not  care  to  encounter  the  horns  of  the 
animal. 

We  unslung  our  rifles,  and  laid  them  across  our  saddles,  all  ready  for  use, 
in  case  there  was  danger  in  that  whirling  lariat,  but,  whether  the  hall-breed 
saw  the  motion,  ordid  not  intend  any  demonstrations  except  those  of  a 
friendly  nature,  he  swept  past  us  like  a  whirlwind,  and  brought  the  reata 
down  upon  the  rump  of  the  angry  bull,  beating  him  until  he  changed  his 

se,  and  was  glad  to  seek  shelter  among  the  members  of  his  harem. 
It  was  all  done  so  quickly,  and  so  easily,  that  we  could  not  prevent  a  bud 
exclamation  of  approval. 

"Bueno,  senor,"  we  shouted,  and  the  fellow  grinned,  and  curled  up  his 
pommel  of  his  saddle,  then  removed  his  sombrero,  and  saluted 
the  -race  and  politeness  of  a  prince  of  the  royal  blood  of  most  any 
kingdom  you  might  happen  to  think  of. 

"  BUC:  e  ranchero  said,  as  he  advanced,  and  reined  yp 

"The  bull  is  apt  to  be   troublesome  to  strangers,  but  * 
on  his  flanks  are  enough  to  teach  him  a  lesson   for  a  short  time. 
II  it^na  been  for  your  dog  he  would  have  failed  to  notice  you." 

urned  his  salutation,  and    re-slung  our  rifles  over  our  shoulders, 

saw  that  he  had  no  evil  intentions  respecting  ourselves.     We  also 

the  man  for  his  services,  not  that  there   was  much  danger   f,  r  we 

i  have  easily  kept  out  of  the  animal's  way  bv  spurring  Wr  Steeds   to 

nill  speed. 

"Where   are   you   from?  and   what   is   the   latest  news?"  the  stranger 
asked. 

"We  left  San   Diego  this  morning  and  are  bound  for  Los  Angeles,' 


115 


ept  that  queros  arc  a  lit- 
tic  dearer, 
him. 

"That  is  goo-  .11  kill   many  c..: 

1  :nuch  money  for  the  hides  and  tallow.     Is  t. 

war?     1   hear  that  there  is  trouble  between  Mexico  and  ,    Do 

you  k  -..ingot  the  matter?" 

,y  rumors/'  was  our  ready  answer.     "  \Ve  trust   the  cloud  will  soon 
>er.     Mexico  is  a  great  nation,  and  her  people   are    \  .     She 

:«»  IJL-  magnanimous  toward  the  United  Sta: 
•r,  it  is  true,"  and  the  man's  face  was  expressive  of  pleasure  at 
the  compliment.     ••  Is  either  of  you  senors  an  Americano  ?  " 

I  ready  response.     "  We  are  both  French,  and  like 

11  that  we  expect  to  remain  here  all  of  our  days." 
.->,"  the  ranchero  said.     4*  But,  as  you  are  traveling  t!,: 
the  country,  of  course  you  have  papers  from  the  authorities  pcrmitii 
;  If  not  too  much  trouble  I  should  like  to  see  your  documents.     I 

/een  told  to  be  on  the  lookout  for  all  who  journey  to  and  fro." 
"There  is  a  paper  from  the  alcalda  of  San   Diego,"  Lewey  remarked, 
1  for  us  in  case  we  need  it.     Read,  if  you    please,"  and  the  doc- 
handed  to  the  ranchero,  who  looked  it  all  over,  even  to  t!: 
of  the  official,  hut,  as  he  could  not  comprehend  a  word  that  was  written  on 
the  paper,  it  was  passed  back  to  us  in  a  ^rand  and  dignified  manner,  just  as 
if  the  half-breed  was  an  intelligent  scholar.     Any  piece  of  writing  would 
have  answered  as  well,  as   far  as  the  vaquero  was  concerned.     A  written 
document  was  a  mystery  in  his  eyes,  and  yet  he  would  not  let  us  know  that 
he  was  incapable  of  understanding  all  that  passed  his  examination. 
"The  paper  is  correct,  senors,"  the  Mexican  said.     "  Pardon  me  f 

r  it.     I   wish  that  you  had  time  to  go  to  the  casa,  and  partake  of 
refreshme 

We  shook  our  heads,  and  intimated  that  we  had  not  the  time,  and  hoped 

n  some  other  r! 
"  Then  perhaps  the  senors  have  a  piece  of  tobacco  that  they  can  5; 

'  the  ranchero,  in  a  polite  tone,  and  with  a  profound  • 
\Ve  had  a  good  s'«>f  k  <>n  hand  for  our  pipes,  but  did  not  let  the  fell' 
all  that  we  possessed,  as  we  feared  it  might  excite  his  cupidity,  so  we  cut  a 

iccc  from  a  hand,  and  the  man  was  just  as  well  «- 
given  him  a  pound. 

We  asked  about  our   route,  and  were  told   to  follow  the  trail,  that  we 


ind  L 


should  fuiu  of  water  at  the  various  springs,  at  the  foot  of  the 

>cd  to  avoid  large   herds   of  cattle,  if   possible,  or 
5  did  not  l.ke  ;  ,  a  gen- 

/ralthin-.     Til  cd  our  h..  and   sej  .. 

Jack  on    -die   ground,  to  his   -rent  deli-ht,  as  the  bullocks 
a  us,  and  no   longer    i-a>""r;    \\\t\  .::onto 

• 

courteous  ranchern,"    I    sai  1,   as  wo    rode   aba-,  and,  looking 

:    sombreros  at  the   stranger,  who  returned  the  salu; 
. 

.  '  cut  our  throats  for  de  t 
•  t  been   arme-  .  remarked,   with  a  »1 

ter.     "You  don't   know  do  greasers  yet,  and  you 
.  till  you  i 

'At    k  ist    it    was    lucky    that   we    had    our    papers    to    show    him,"    1 
remarked. 

"Vi;  it  do?''  was  the  question.     "  He  cannot  read  or  vite, 

and  a:  rs  on  'em    answer  for  him.     If  he  ha 

'.    for    him,*'    which     was    quite    true,    but 
's    great    readiness    in    killing     people    was    not 
ik  it   pleasant   to  shoot    Mexicans,    and   ride   off 
'  :  the  feat. 

frien  I,   "  d  it    I   stated  ve  vas  both  French.      I 
:  icanos  is  not  in  de  good  oder  jist  at  dis  time,     lint  de 

Frenchman,  he  r  jberywhere,  for  de    France  is  a  great  nation,  and 

all  love  him." 

was  so    sublime    I    let  it  go   unchecked,   but  readily 
I          !   that   I   would  pass  as  a  countryman  of   his  where  we  deemed  it  ad- 

:e  to  conceal  my  nationality. 

About  twelve   •  came  to  a  spring  of  runnMg  water  located  near 

some  trees,  at  the  foot  of  a  high  hill,  where  the  pasturage  was  good.  Here 
we  determined  to  halt  foi  a  time,  eat  our  dinners,  and  feed  our  horses.  We 
unsaddled  the  beasts,  and  piquettcd  them  by  the  aid  of  lariats,  so  they  could 
not  return  to  the  town,  and  then  built  a  fire,  made  a  pot  of  coffee,  nnd  ate 
and  pilot  bread  we  had  brought  with  us.  Not  a  house 

or  a  human  being  was  in  si-hr.     \Ve  were  in  one  of  the  wilds  of  California, 

rcr  land,  or  a  finer  location  for  a  farm,  rould  not  have  been  found  in 

the  w;i  '  is  rich  and  luxuriant,  and   the   water  supply 

ample,  at  that  season  of  the  year.     1  .suppose  all  that  portion  of  territory  is 


and  I.  117- 

now  oranges. 

It  me  soli. 

^lad 
to  once  m. 

. 

one  of  t'  I  seemingly  ii.  10  our  pi<  ,ted 

to  i  ,  but  I  co  10  let  them  alone,  a- 

'  ouid  not  very  weii  ur   next  halt- 

i  told  him  \ve  should  have  plenty  of  chances  to  get  all  the  decf 
::e  would  tiril/  have  patience,  and,  for  a  wonder,  he  acquiesced 
in  my  vie  '  -hot. 

Mowing  from  the  hi^h  moua- 

-..  seen  in  the  f.ir  distance,  an-!  we  loped  on  :a  an  eav 

wouM  not  tiiv  a  Of 

fatigue,  but  I>-  liccrfully,  smelling  of  every  s 

itch  for  {rame,  or  something  that  wanted  a 

'.••nkul  upon  the  journey  as  a 
and.  when  we  drew  rein,  and  \v.. 
. 

while  he  saw  a  sneaking  coyote  or  deer, 
off  in  c'n  onfident  of  or 

all  t 

:n.  and  he  did  not  mean  any 
thing  ;»y  it.     ; 

i  ten  minut«-s,  and  would   rib/:. 

than  himself. 

to  look  fora  place  to  camp  for  the  I 
«  '--.it.  when    we  had  climhed  a  hill,  , 

. 

.   . 

udtL-r. 
• 
her  < 

valk.  as  we  did  not 

the  footsteps 

• 


Lewey  and  I. 


signal  she  was  afraid  of  us,  or  doubted  the  honesty  of  our  intentions  in  thus 
iniruuing  on  her  privacy. 

A  cur  came  bounding  around  the  corner  of  the  house,  —  a  cross  between 
a  coyote  and  a  sheep-dog, — and  made  a  dash  at  Jack,  but  our  game  little 
animal  uttered  a  growl  of  defiance,  seized  the  canine  by  his  neck,  -ave 
him  one  rough  shake,  and  then  the  stranger  uttered  a  howl  of  regret  that  he 
had  made  such  an  attack,  put  his  tail  between  his  legs,  and  ran  away,  and, 
when  at  a  safe  distance,  stopped  and  barked  at  us.  He  imagined  for  a  mo- 
mentthat  a  mountain  lion  had  been  encountered  by  mistake. 

\Ve  dismounted  from  our  horses,  tied  them  to  a  post  near  the  doorway, 
and  then  Lewey  opened  c  conversation  with  the  female  of  the  house,  en 
deavoring,  in  his  usual  seductive  way,  to  assure  her  that  we  had  no  evil 
intentions. 

"  Senorita,"  he  cried,  as  he  pounded  on  the  door,  "  we  are  amigns.  You 
need  not  fear  us.  We  intend  no  harm.  We  are  strangers,  and  have  lost 
our  way." 

There  was  no  response  to  this  touching  appeal,  and  Lewey  looked  a  little 
discouraged,  but  still  did  not  relinquish  all  hope  that  he  might  induce  the 
woman  to  communicate  with  him. 

"  Will  you  not  speak  to  us  ? ''  the  French  lad  exclaimed.  "  We  are  trav 
elers,  and  the  best  of  Catholics,  and  respect  women  next  to  the  saints, "and 
still  the  lady  of  the  house  showed  no  signs  of  relenting,  and,  just  as  my 
friend  was  about  to  tempt  her  with  some  more  pretty  words,  we  heard  the 
sharp  click  of  a  gun-lock,  and,  glancing  around,  saw  that  we  were  covered 
by  a  musket,  enormous  in  its  proportions,  as  far  as  length  and  bore  were 
concerned,  and  at  the  stock  of  the  gun  was  a  villainous-looking  face,  and 
the  uncombed,  long  hair  of  a  dark,  dirty,  tall,  lank,  wrinkled,  half-breed 
jcr. 

"  Vamous,"  said  the  owner  of  the  gun,  a  flint  lock  concern,  that  would 
.ibout  half  a  pound  of  buckshot,  and  powder  in  proportion,  and,  con 
found  the  fellow,  he  held  the  musket  perfectly  steady,  and  covered  us  in 
such  a  manner  that  one  of  us  would  have  been  blown  all  to  pieces  had  the 
man  fired  in  our  direction. 

Jack  made  a  motion  to  rush  on  the  Mexican,  and  give  him  a  sample  of 
his  jaws,  but  we  called  to  the  dog,  and  forced  him  to  lie  down,  and  wait  for 
fresh  negotiations. 

*  Ami'^o,''  said  Lewey,  who  would  not  show  the  slightest  fear,  although  I 
have  no  doubt  he  felt  a  little  tribulation  in  the  presence  of  that  awful  blun 
derbuss.  "  put  up  your  gun,  and  join  us  in  a  friendly.smoke.  We  have  some 


Lcwey  and  I. 


nice    cigarettes,    and    kr.  .iballero    like    yourself    will   enjoy 


..  Who  arc  \  :ed  ihe  greaser,  apparently  willing  to    : 

tor  he  removed    the  gun  from  his  shoulder,  and   t  his 

face. 

-  \Vo  are  travelers  on  our  way  to  Los   Angeles,  and   would  stop  here  to 
night,  if  it  please  you  and  the  lady  of  the  house.'1 

.HI  arc  not  agents  of  the  government  then  ?     You  do  not  come  here  to 
spy  out  my  possessions  so  that  a  tax  can  be   laid  on   then.  the 

an. 

,  e  are  gringos,  and  you  have  nothing  to  fear  from  i:  -ew- 

ey's  ready  ans 

'  "  What  country  do  you  belong  to  ?     You  are  not   Mexicans.     That  1 
tell  by  your  words,"  the  half-breed  said,  as  he  grounded  the  stock  ot  his  for- 

,le  gun,  and  took  a  step  forward. 

"We  are  I'r.incia  marineros,  and  traveling  through  the  country  f< 
sake  <-f  seeing   it.     We  have  no  money,  but  a  little  tobacco,  and  a  gentle- 
man  like  -hall  share  it." 

.ere  is  Francia?"  asked  the  greaser.     "  I  have  heard  of  Americano 
And  i.  but  no  other  country,  except  Mexico,  the  pow 

ed  the  indignant    I  If  the  greatest  country  in  the 

WOI  ore  soldiers  and  ships  than   there  are  cattle  upon  your 

pia  the  land  of  the  great  Napoleon." 

-ard  of  him."  was  the  reply.     "Was  he  a  ranchero? 
own  many  horses  and  cattle  ?  " 

at  Lewey  was  speechless  with   astonishment  and 
He  ha  ..ilnst  the  hitching-post  for  support,  ar. 

.    ,kc-l  at  me  in  a  mute  appeal  for  help  t 
•  could  express  his  consternation  that  there  lived  a  I 

never  heard  of  the  deeds  and  battles  of  the  "  Gre* 

Napofcon." 

r.wleon,"  I  said,  coming  to  the  relief  of  my  friend,  in  a  ti 
nc.  i.whcn   the   latter  turned  on  him, 

the  £r*at  man  vamouscd  the  ranche." 

lt  i.  fnn[l  .1  my  French  friend,  in  a 

low  tone,  tor  we  did  not  c.irr  to  let  th<-  Mexican  hem 

I  did  not  answer  the  question,  for  the  owner  of  the  prem  s  *un 

»n»  side,  to-.ichtd  hi.s  mimed  sombrero,  and  I     the 

pMt  wWMi  **m  a  beggar  of  $i»auis.h.desceiit  c^tt. assume,  - 


Lewey  and  /. 


is.     Such  as  the  house  affords  is  at  y«".«r  d 

,  to  do  with  as  you  pleu>e.     J 

wish,  and  return  when  ;  e.     The  door  \\iii  a i \\.iy.-,  he  open  lor 

And   now    1  will   try  one   of  your  cigarettes,    ii  . ,-    no 

.-i.il.     He  lighted  ope,  and  smoked  away  with  evi 

led  to  unsaddle  our  horses,  ..  ..cl  i 

room,  where  there  «  and 

l  and  f     Is  as  a  man  who  is  isoL  .tion 

•i  1  he  likely  to  accumulate  in  the  course  of   man y  years,     'i  he  !\k\ 

:o  lend  us  .  hand.     It  was  none  of  his  Imsiness  how 

'.•parted.     He  furnished  shelter,  and  s 

;  ut  the   labor  of    removing  saddles,  or  putting  them   i-n 

hfi  did  not  care  to  incur.      It   was   not  the  custom  ot 

•s  the  host  kept  half  a  dozen  vaqueros  in   his  employ,  to 

!  perform  odd  jobs  of  work. 

'(juette<l  our  mustangs  where  the  grass  was  good,  and  then  returned 
an,  still  squatting  near  the    tire,  and  throwing  his  whole  i 
nient  of  .->  vident  he  had  not  i.'sted  tolxicco 

e  joined  him,  "do  you  not  think  that  you  had  better 
:/  of  the  house?     We  noticed   th  .  :  at  our 

ihe  will  be  pleased  to  learn  that  we  are  friends  and 
ixiety  nni.^t  l>e  inte: 

'   "I-     "I    had    lorgott-n    the   women.     Th.- 
the  sm  )ke  fn.m  my  nostrils.     I  will  call  them.".: 
Clouted,   so  that    all   couM  hear  him. 
>me  fort!,.      \Ve    have   friends   IR-.  i  he 

:U's    hcsi! 
iee.1  woman,  without  shoes,  feet  that  were    hard    an,] 

.•arm.-nl.  «  ,sc. 

i;alf-sullen    jflaQCC,  as  t!  uas  not 

or  repiidi.it'-  us  tin: 

:  iU  women, 

;rcntly  admired.  la-  -m- 

imJ 

,  auvl  i  more  agreeable  txpre 


. 

. 

i'ie    answer.     "  She 

.  1    will    harm  i. 

J    tell   her  tij.it  a    Mexican  genik'ina  .  i  to 

•.mily  should  second  tlic  pro.i  .1  oi 

•AC  heard  this   g 
.1    mentally  calcula;  '';ini;  wit: 

<1  yet  the 
.  .1,  \\itli  million     t  1 

in  a  cool,  contented  manner,  tlien 
\N    could   hear  a  little 

,:rl.  who  !. 
ud  of  bcin^  picked 
.     W     were  a  little  a 

until   she  turned  her  h- 

UP.     Then  we  1 
fore  the  prettiest  little   half-c 

.i  day,  as  she  wta  dazril 

in   their  length   and   thick;: 

-i-h  her  feet  i 
resm.ill.T 

'.-  stepped  out  of  th.it  m      • 
in  the  Choicest  of  Kren«  ' 

: 

-om«'of  t 

;  ;  •    • 

. 

•  in  beauty  of  fai^  and  (pun. 

...  - 


122  Lewey  and  /. 


Lewey,  always  on  the  lookout  for  a  handsome  countenance,  and  desirous 
of  making  an  impression,  sprang  forward,  hat  in  hand,  to  salute  the  little 
lady,  and,  as  he  poured  forth  a  torrent  of  compliments,  the  girl  looked  up 
full  in  his  face,  and,  for  the  first  time,  seemed  to  awaken  to  the  fact  that  a 
nice  young  man  was  addressing  her  with  more  respect  and  politeness  in  his 
tones  than  she  had  ever  heard  in  her  uneventful  life,  or  could  hope  for 
again.  The  look  of  timidity  passed  from  her  classical  features,  and  her' 
glorious  black  eyes  appeared  more  brilliant  than  ever. 

"  Confound  the  fellow,"  I  thought.  "  He  will  play  the  mischief  with  that 
girl's  heart  unless  I  interfere,  and  save  her,"  and,  for  that  laudable  purpose, 
stepped  forward,  and  made  a  few  remarks  that  I  thought  quite 
appropriate. 

With  all  the  coquetry  of  a  girl's  nature  the  little  lady  turned  her  attention 
to  me,  and  actually  smiled  at  my  endeavors  to  speak  Spanish  as  fluently  as 
my  friend.  She  thought  that  heaven  was  near,  for  here  were  two  white 
young  men  paying  her  marked  attention,  and  treating  her  with  a  deference 
she  had  never  before  experienced,  so  she  gave  us  each  a  word  of  good 
nature,  and  then  drew  the  inner  garment  of  her  dress  a  little  more  tightly 
over  her  shoulders,  so  that  a  finely  formed  bust  should  not  be  exposed  to 
our  rude  gaze. 

"Confound  you,  what  did  you  come  and  poke  your  nose  in  this  mess 
for?"  asked  Lewey,  in  French. 

"  To  keep  you  out  of  mischief,  you  bad  boy,"  I  answered.  "  I  know  you, 
what  you  are  capable  of,  and  what  you  are  thinking  of.  For  once  in  your 
life  please  not  to  exert  the  power  of  your  fascinations.  This  little  girl  does 
not  know  the  meaning  of  love,  and,  if  you  continue  as  you  have  begun,  we 
shall  leave  behind  us  a  sad  heart  tomorrow."  « 

"  Ikit  why  should  we  leave  tomorrow  ?  "  my  friend  asked.  "We  are  in 
no  hurry.  Time  is  no  object  with  us.  If  we  do  not  start  for  a  week  no 
one  will  blame  us  for  delay  on  the  route,"  still  speaking  French. 

"  I  shall  go  tomorrow  even  if  I  have  to  travel  alone,"  was  my  response. 
'*  I  will  not  1ft  you  play  havoc  with  the  girl's  peace,  just  to  gratify  your  con 
founded  vanity.  You  are  already  half  in  love  with  her,  and  in  a  day  or  two 
there  will  be  promises  of  marriage,  and  you  never  would  fulfill  them.  The 
girl  is  no  nritc'i  for  you.  Let  her  alone,  and  treat  her  coldly  as  I  do,"  and 
then,  when  the  little  lady  asked  me  what  I  was  saying  in  a  strange  tongue, 
I  had  to  lie  a  bit,  and  say  that  we  were  complimenting  her  eyes  and  face, 
and  she  tossed  her  head  and  smiled  la  a  manntr  that  showed  how  much  of 


Lewty  and  I. 


*  woman  she  was  in  feeling,  in  spite  of  the  disadvantages  under  which  she 
had  labore  J  all  her  life. 

The  mother  and  father  looked  on,  and  smoked,  in  quiet  enjoyment.  They 
did  not  understand  the  dangerous  position  of  the  daughter,  for  love  had 
long  since  died  out  of  their  hearts,  and  they  would  have  laughed  at  such  a 
sentiment.  I  think  that  if  either  of  us  had  asked  the  padre  to  bestow  his 
daughter's  hand  in  marriage,  he  would  have  consented  without  a  thought 
of  the  future,  only  stipulating  that  the  husband  should  be  a  good  Catholic. 
That  would  have  been  the  only  proviso  he  cared  to  make  on  such  a  solemn 
occasion,  so  fraught  with  the  future  welfare  of  a  girl. 

At  last  the  smoking  was  concluded,  and  then  the  mother  and  daughter 
commenced  preparations  for  supper.  The  stone  for  cookin:.;  tortillas  was 
heated,  the  corn  soaked  in  the  usual  way  among  Mexicans,  an  earthern  pot 
was  put  on  the  fire,  filled  with  bits  of  meat,  peppers,  and  some  vegetables, 
then  Lewey  went  with  the  girl  to  a  spring,  and  brought  fresh  water  in  a 
calabash.  He  was  making  himself  useful,  but  if  the  daughter  had  not  been 
pretty  he  never  would  have  cared  to  do  the  labor  that  he  did  on  that 
occasion. 

*'  Ve  vill  contribute  toward  the  supper  from  our  own  stores,"  whispered 
the  French  lad.  "  Ve  vill  not  be  mean  here,  not  one  bit." 

"  Especially  since  there  is  a  pretty  girl  to  share  in  the  feast,"  I  *  . 
ed,  but  Lewcy  would  admit  nothing  that  was  detrimental  to  himself. 

-  a  Frenchman,"  he  said  proudly,  "  and  one  of  dat  nation  alvays  ad 
mire  de  booful.  Get  out  de  coffee,  de  sugar,  de  bread,  and  say  no  more 
about  it,  or,  by  gar,  I  dink  you  jealoui  of  your  old  ami,  and  love  de  girl 
yours 

\Ye  surprised  the  people  with  our  contributions,  and  what  pleased  them 
more  than  words  can  express  was  the  taste  of  coffee,  well  sweetened  with 
•ujjar,  aiul  a  few  cakes  of  pilot  bread,  something  they  had  seldom  seen 
before,  cxo .-j-t  when  a  visit  was  occasionally  made  to  San  Diego,  and  even 
then  the  mother  and  daughter  were  not  invited  to  make  the  journey  01 
rare  intervals. 

It  was  not  such  a  bad   supper,  for  we  were  hungry,  and   had   good   appe 
tites  for  sauce.     There  was  a  lack  of  spoons,  knives,  and 
were  convenient,  even  if  not  clean  as  soap  and  water  couhl  make  them. 

y  loaned   his  spoon   to  the  young  girl,  and   she   was  p' 
while  ihc  fither  and  mother  were  content  with  such  as  they  ha 
from  wood,  neither  small  nor  graceful,  but  large  enough  to  hold  about  B 


Lewey  and  /. 


of  liquid,  so  tin  .1!  up  qui  when    hungry,  and   had  a 

hot  olia  Ix 

Wh.  .:can  told  us  all  of  his  history.     He  liked 

the  country  where  he  was  located,  as  he  had  unlimited  quantities  of  land, 
and  no  neighbors  to  interfere  with  his  rights.  He  owned  a  few  tl:« 

•  e  or  two  hundred  horses,  but  the  latter    were  of  little 
1.     The  only  disagreeable   incidents   of   his  1'; 

when  the  1  raid  through  the  country,  from  what  is  now  called 

the  southern  part  of  Arizona,  crossing  the  mountains  throu, 
the  existem  e  of  whi'.h  was  known  only  to  themselves,  as  the   Mexicans  had 
never  .or  dared  to  follow  the    lawless  bands,  or  punish   tl,< 

driving  of:  I  '  capturing  prisoners.      More    than   two    years  had  now 

1  since  the  Indians   put  in  an  appearance,  and    the  lather  seemed  to 
think  that  they  would  trouble  him  no  more.       He  once  scat'  :ul  that 

approached  his  h.uise  by  tiring  a  broadside  from  his  formidable  old  musket, 
and  in  that  one  discharge  killed  two  painted  warriors,  and  wounded  as 
many  more,  and  it  seemed  to  satisfy  the  Indians  that  the  vicinity  of  the 
adobe  '  i  dangerous  place,  so  they  left  him.  but  made 

work  with  his  stock,  diiving  l':t  nearly  half  that  he  owned,  and  more  than 
fifty  horses.  '[".  .  :  cared  nothing  about,  and  the  sava--i-s  we: 

-m. 

"  Think."  siid  L.-  v  dangerous  it  is  for   your  wife  and  daughter 

h  an  exposed  place.     What  if   the    Indians  should  make  a 
ime  day,  when  you  were  absent  from  home?" 
loulders  as  he  answered,  — 
.      I'.ut   the    Indian    who  laid   a  hand  on  my 
:t  it."  and  the  Mexican  smiled  in  a  significant  ri: 
':ioney  hands  of  his  spot:  :  c  had  s< 

tic  affairs  that  were  valuable. 
:  itr-r?     Surely  you  would  feel  badly  if  anything 

vitil'id  ?  "   Lewey  said, 
i  Indian,  or  signs  of  them,  better  than  a  hawk.      Hei 

.  when   she   runs,  is  only  equaled  by  tl 
deer.  can  take  care  of  herself  when  I  am  absr.Mt  from  honv 

nild  come  to  her   relief   like    the   wind,  uith 
•eed  and  sturdy  lariat.'' 

quirk   look   a'  Pi    face,  and  so  did  Lewey,  but  no 

:  them  with  n,     She 

;  I  '       U       | 


;    and  /. 


ranchero,  the  one  we  had  met  in  the  morning.     It 
i.eart  had  not  been  touched  by  his  bold   '. 
wild-look 

1  settled  down  upon  the  distant   mountains  and 
,  the  coyotes  were  abroad,  and  calling  to  each  other  : 

1  he  tire   was  last  dying  out,  oni\ 
.  faint  breeze  swept  through  the  palio,  and  stirred  tin 

The  husband  and  wife  smoked  our  cigarettes  with  great  n.li?h,  am.  t 
pretty  daughter,  with  a  scrape  over  her  shoulders  to  keej.  elf  the  h  < 
dew  and  coid  night  air,  neither  looked  at  us,  nor  moved  from  her 

-azed  at  th-.-  <!\in_;  ember*,  as  if  she  was  endeavoring  to  read  her  future 

s,  and  then,  as  I  glanced  at   her  sweet  face,  so  sad  ami 
§o  beautiful,  just  as  the  last  flame  leaped  up,  and  expired  with  a  faint  crack- 
)e,  I  saw  Le-.vey's  blanket  move,  —pulled   a  little    carelessly  over  his  left 

—  and   knew  that  under  cover  of  that  useful  article  he  was  holding 
squeezing  one  of  the  girl's  dark    but  well-formed  hands,  and  that,  f»>: 
first  time  in  her  life,  she  was  drinking  in  all  the  bliss  that  a  young  woman 
can  •  hen  half  inclined  to  be  in  love  with  a  good-looking  man. 

.  ne,  Lewc  in    English,  but  he  made  no  reply,  neither 

did  he  remove  his  hand,  and,  just  as  I  was  about  to  rise,  and  terminate  the 
»c«j,  .  shrill  scream,  a  yell,  so  loud  and  terrible,  that  I  sj  • 

up,  and  only  had  time  to  seize  Jack,  who  had  been  si  my  side,  and 

prevent  him   :  into  the    darkness,  and    inv  the 

8,  for   his   hai:  vect  with  the  rage  that  ;  his 

great  he.-  l.-d  to  free    himself  from  my  hold,  and  growled  an 

.it  all  interference  in  his  movements. 

Lew-  ;n£j  the  girl's  hand,  but  the  rest  of  the 

did  not  imve  or  manifest  any  great  amount  of  agitation  or  fear. 

Again  that  shrill,  fierce    scream  fell  upon  our  ears,  but  this  time  nearer, 
in  the  direction  of  our  horses,  which  were  piquetted  near  the  court- 

We  couM  hear  them  snort  and  paw  the  ground  in  thcii 
tire  to  break  a  i  the  stout  reatas  that  held  them  fast. 

we  asked,  as  we  sprang  for  our  riiUs,  which  were  leaning 
>t  the  house,  all  loaded,  and  ready  for  use. 

mountain   lion,"  answere  1  the   Mexican,   puffing  at  a  cigarette 

not  venture   near  us  as  long  aa 

there  U  fire  amonjj  the  vour  horses  ne 

the  :  .inci,  if  he  is,  there  '. 

'   \\\\\  leap  on  one,  and  make  a  hearty  supper.     This    thiei  of 


Lewey  and  I. 


the  devil  has  been  on  the  ranche  for  the  past  two  weeks,  and   some   night  I 
shai:  have  to  kill  him.     Quien  sabe  ?  " 

:->ok  our  rides,  and,  as  we  did  so,  the  greaser's  dog  came  creeping  to 
the  fire,  his  tail  between  his  legs,  and  ears  drooping,  trembling  all  over. 
He  looked  at  every  one  in  a  pitiful  sort  of  manner,  as  if  ready  to  protest  in 
case  icked  out  from  his  safe  position  into  the  darkness. 

4k  Down,  Jack,"  I  said,  as  sternly  as  I  could,  when  releasing  my  hold  of 
the  dog,  for  he  showed  no  sign  of  fear,  and  wanted  to  dart  off  in  i -ursuit  of 
the  sir  ->t,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  he  would  have  tackled  the 

brute  if  he  had  been   encouraged  to  do  so.     There    was  nothing  he 
except  an  unkind  word  from  his  masters. 

Jack  obeyed,  but  uttered  an  angry  protest,  and  growled  defiance  at  the 
,g  foe.  If  we  had  allowed  the  game  little  fellow  to  fallow  his  in 
clinations  it  would  have  been  his  last  night  on  earth,  for  the  mountain  lion 
could  have  crushed  him  with  a  blow  of  his  powerful  paw,  strong  as  that  of 
a  leopard  (an  animal  of  a  similar  species),  then  thrown  the  dog  over  his 
shoulder,  and  strolled  off  toward  the  mountains  to  feast  at  his  leis1,: 

When   the  savage  beast  uttered   his  shrill  scream,   the  coyotes  on  the 
hills  ceased  their  sharp  barks,  and  seemed  to  listen  so  that  they  co 
note  the  presence  of  their  fearful  foe,  and  not  disclose  their  own  position 
in  the  darkness. 

;e  care  that  he  does  not  spring  on  you,"  the    Mexican   father  said, 
as  he  threw  on  a  few  more  fagots  of  wood,  and   kindled  up  the  fire,  just  as 
we  were  ready  to  go    the  rescue  of  the   horses,  who  were  struggli;. 
straining  at  the  reatas,  and  shaking  with  terror. 

The  host  did   not  seem  inclined  to  lend  us  a  helping  hand,  \vh: 

M  strange,  and  a  little  impolite,  but  the  man  supposed  we  \\ere  just 

as  much  accustomed  to  the  ways  of  that  vast  solitude   as   he   was,  and  that 

istance  was  required  on  his  part.      In  this  he  was   mistaken,  but  to 

preserve  his  respect  it  was  necessary   to  show  no  fear.     Just  as  we  were 

f  the  young  -^irl  arose,  threw  off  her  scrape,  and  said, — 
"The  senors  are  strangers,  father.     They  may  not  know    the   ways   of  a 
ned  horse,  or  the  cunning  of  a  mountain  lion.     I  will   £O   with  them, 
to  the  c.ilwllos.     They  always   respect  a  woman's  voice,  or  the 
touch  of  her  hand,  because  it  is  more  gentle  than  that  of  a  man,  ai.ci  in 
spires  them  with  courago.     Come,  senors,  I  am  i 

But  we   held   back.     We  did   not  desire  to  involve  the  little  girl  in  any 

!  waited  for  the  father  and  mother  to  utter  a  remonstran- 
•one  was  spoken  by  them.     They  seemed   to  ihiok   that  the  offer  on  the 


Lewey  and  /. 


young  lady's  part  was  a  natural  one,  and  not  worthy  of  remark  or  protest. 

>ve,  what  courage  the  little  beauty  possessed.     She  was  not  one  to 

squeal  at  the  sight  of  a  mouse,  or  to  go  into  spasms  if  a  spider  alighted  on 

her  dress,  or  a  grasshopper  tickled  her  ankle.     I   could  not  help  admiring 

her  .is  >!>j  stood  near  us,  her  well-formed  head  thrown  back,  and  her  bright 

,  like  the  stars  above.     I  was  enabled  to  note  her  pose  and 

orbs  by  the  aid  of  the  tire,  that  was  now  burning  up  bright!) 

:!'«  form,  long  b'.ack  hair,  and  scant  dress.     How   little  did  J 
\\  Lewey 's  account  she   was  anxious  to  go,  and,  if  posit 
ive  lii-n  from  all  harm. 

i. .main  by  the  fire,"  the  French  lad  said.     "  We  n«ed  not 
:  he  wild  beast  is  terrible  in  his  rage,  and  w«  fear  for  your 
Ul  make  a  *j" 
for  me,"  was  the  response.     "  I  can  take  care  of  myself. 

.      The  lion  is  near  once  m 

oke  there  arose  another  shrill  yell,  and  then,  in  the  rear  of  the 
.  \  t.vo  fir  is  silver  dollars,  it  seemcu  to  us,  and, 

a  word,  :  \  girl  bounded  toward  the  savage 

an  I   uttertd  but  two  words. 

i,  and  the  lion  disappeared  in  the  darkness, 
prowls  of  protest  as  it  slunk  away. 

'  r,  and  found  that  she  was  stroking  the  horses  with  her 
them  in  a  soft,  soothing  tone,  and  they  seemed 

to  comprehend  her,  for  they  ceased  to  tremble,  and  put  their  velvet  noses 
on  her  rounded  neck,  and  uttered  the  peculiar  cry  that  mustangs  use  when 

i,  or  are  favored  \\ith  the  presence  of  one  they  like. 
Although  the  night  was  cool  the  animals  were  reeking  with   perspii 

i   we  unfastened  the  reatas,  and  led  the  beasts  to 
ward  the  house,  their  expressions  of  joy  \\ere  rpite  human. 

>ten  them   near  the  out-building,  Florercia,"  the   father   s.iid,  "and 
them  a  mess  of  barley  on  the  ground.     One  of  us  will  have  to  sit  up 
to  keep  the  fire  going,  and   the  lion  at  a  distance,  otherwise  th« 
siiUl  not  be  safe,  unless  let  1- 

.v  do  the  caballo*  and  cattle  on  the  plains  csrapc  th-  of  th« 

'.  asked,  as  we  secured  our  animals,  and  the  girl   em; 

"i  the  ground  before  them,  for  which  they  appeared 
•lul,  as  they  f<- 

•' It  is  only  the  we.'.  at  the   li 

those  which  have  been  separated  from  the  herds,"  was  the  answer.     H  Th« 


Lewv  and  L 


-  and  the  bulls  u.rm  a  1;  .  kick  anil  toss  anything 

h  the  mares  or  cows,  night  IT   day.      t  ';.>ly  bear 

'->     •       >u*  how   i:  •  mob   of  c.ittl.r,  for   there  is  death  in  a 

stu'i's  hevls.  and  g  i  the  quick  pi  iv  of  .1  lively  hull's  horns. 

i  by  die  1.,  I,  ami   a   mountain 

linn  will  pull  it  down,  and   devour  it  in  a  short    time.      Tljere    is    the   diablo 

n,  prowling  around,  and  seeking  a  supper,      lie   must    be    hungry  to  act 

>  >id.     Florencia,  throw  a  brand    toward    the   brute,  and  then  go  to  bed. 

It   is   lime   your  eyts   were   closed   for  the  night.     The  senors  will  excuse 

you." 

'•  I    will  sit  by    the  fire,   and   keep  it   burning,"  I,    without  look- 

up. 

"  Xo,  it  is  useless, "  was  the  response.     "  The  do  that  by 

taking  turns.     They  have  guns,  and   can   shoot   the  beast  if  it  approaches 

'•Why  can't  we  do  that  now?"  Lewey  asked.     '•  We  have  rifles,  and 
know  how  to  use  them." 

"The  mountain   lion   is  a  hard   beast  to   kill,"   the    M>\ir,n    remarked. 

•u  can  test  your  guns   if  you  wish,   but,  to  pr«_v<  nt    mistakes,  think   I 

will  have  my  old  escopeta  at  hand.     Bring  it  to  me,  girl,  also   the   machete. 

rie  in  play  if  :he  beast  makes  a  spring." 

The  girl  arose  without  a  word,  and  brought  from  the  house  the  old  mus- 

.uid   also   the   machete,  or  heavy  chopping-knife,  such  as  the  Mexicans 

I  for  cutting  down  brush,  or  thick  chapparel.     She  p:a«:c  i  them  in  his 

h.unls,  and  once  more  sat  down  by  the  fire,  and  did   ntst  '.  al- 

i  her>elf,  I  noticed  that  she  to  position 

from  the  first  one  she  assumed,  that  is,  she  was  lu't-Acen  I.ewcv  and  the 
prowiing  mountain  lion,  and  if  a  spring  was  nvide  by  the  fL-roci.-us  beast 
she  would  be  more  likely  to  receive  the  encounter  than  my  French  friend. 
Was  it  an  accident  or  intentional  that  she  thus  placed  herself  in  so  much 
er  ?  No  one  could  tell  by  the  expression  of  her  face  what  was  her 
1  ;t,  for  it  betra\cd  neither  emotion  nor  fear. 

"  The    women    wi.l   enter   ihc   house,"  the  father   said.     "  It  is  safer    for 
them.     Men  only  should  light  lions." 

The   mother   lighted  a  fresh   cigarette,  and  entered  the  building.     The 

id  not  stir. 

.11  remain,  and  help  the  strangers,"  she  said,  and  displayed  a  second 
etc,  which  she  had  concealed  in  the  skirts  of  h-  • 
44  She  is  not  afraid,"  the  father  said,  and  nodded  toward  his  child.     "  Sh« 


,Y  /. 


_^rs,and  never  yet  quailed.     She  is  a  true  daughter  of 

I  I  am  her  father." 

'.ere  alxnit  to  utter  some  complimen'.r  •   once  TTK 

:ing  lion  uttered  a  shrill  yell,  and  this  tiinv 

n  as.     We  could  see  his  firey  cye<  as  he  s 
•  >  when  brought  together  with  a  11 

nont  in  not  obtaining  an  early  supper. 

red    Lewey,  and   up  went  the    rifles  1  : 

.  ,    !  the  same  moment,  full  at  tl; 
^c  and  threatening. 

11.  a  rcr.r,  and  then  we  could  hear  the  Least  re'.' 
:. itching  and  tearing  at  the  grass,  and  sna 
iry. 
.ill  the  saints,  but  I  believe  you  luvc   hit   the   d  xicin 

•^ed  at  the  accuracy  of  our  aim.     "  Girl,  th 
in    the  direction   of   the    beast,  and   let  your  c  if   another 

"  N'  . 

mgerous  for  the  senorita  to  do  so.     Let  me  i:u  ur  all  i 
He  snatched  the  burning  fagot  from  her  hand,  and   threw  it  with  all   his 
!i  in  the  direction  of  the  wotinde-: 

ning  brand,  we  could  see  a  body  rolling  o\  r,  and 

•itids  on  the  held  and  shoul«!crs. 
I  h.i  -:mi'  in  rammi:  g  nothcr  bullet  in  my  rifle,  thinking 

•  .       ready! 

)iil.!cr.      Ther. 

.ind   the  greaser    was   kicked   aero  s    the   cou: 
nul  for  a  mo:v,ent  I  feared  that  the  man 
injured,  but  he  picked  himself  up,  and  muttered,  — 

no,  I  kno\v  I  have  fitiished  him."  am!  he    was  nearly  correi  t  in  his 
-    ••'    '      '     ••  tnd,  when    I   told    ! 

••••'   i    hrill  bark  t,  and   bounded  out  into 

r  fnl'owed.     Then  we  heard  somr 
r-umc  bacl;  fler  a  mom  ly,  and 

u  h  as  to  say,  "  I  have   finished  our  mutual  enc: 
' 

' 

I  the   "ou. 


130  Lewey  and  /. 


The  girl  lighted  a  fagot,  and  walked  toward  the  dead  beast  without  siga 
of  fear. 

"He  is  muerto,"  she  said,  and  held  the  flame  of  the  stick  so  nsar  the 
lion's  mouth  that  she  singed  the  long  whiskers  around  his  nose. 

"  \Ve  h.ive  done  well/'  the  Mexican  cried.  "  See,  here  are  three  wounds. 
But  my  shot  did  the  business  after  all." 

And  so  it  appeared,  for  the  charge  from  the  escopeta  had  made  a  most 
hideous  hole  in  the  lion  near  the  right  shoulder,  while  the  balls  from  our 
rifles  had  lodged  in  the  head  and  neck,  either  of  which  would  have  caused 
death  in  time,  but  not  immediate  dissolution.  At  any  rate,  it  he  had 
-.1  on  us  we  might  have  been  injured,  and  perhaps  the  little  girl 
maimed  for  life,  before  we  despatched  the  brute. 

••  A  good  night's  work,  senors,"  said  the  Mexican.  '•  The  lion  has  been 
roaming  over  the  plains  and  hills  for  the  last  few  weeks,  and  worried  the 
cattle.  Caramba,  but  he  can  do  no  more  damage.  Tomorrow  I  will  skin 
him,  and  sell  the  quero  the  next  time  I  visit  San  Diego.  Senors,  accept 
mil  gracias  for  the  part  you  have  performed.  It  was  a  lucky  moment  when 
you  made  my  house  your  home  for  the  night,  and  as  much  longer  as  you 
please  to  stay." 

The  girl  said  nothing.  I  was  inclined  to  doubt  the  truth  of  the  man's 
assertion.  I  was  a!r;;U  that  it  would  be  the  most  unprofitable  incident  for 
the  senorita  that  she  had  ever  experienced  in  her  young  life,  for  I  imag 
ined  that  she  had  looked  upon  my  friend's  face,  and  lost  her  heart  and 
peace  of  mind  at  the  same  time,  as  1  knew  Lewey  well  enough  to  know  that 
no  inducement  on  earth  could  prevail  upon  him  to  remain  and  marry  the 
girl,  thus  buryii  \  '•  from  all  society  and  civilization.  He  was  a  flirt, 

and  it  was  born  in  him,  and  no  experiences  on  his  part,  no  dangers  that  he 
encountered,  were  suflkicn.t  to  restrain  his  roving  propensities,  or  keep  him 
from  pouring  compliments  into  willing  ears.  I  doubt  if  :.  ren  yet 

dulled  his  interest  in  a  sweet  face  and  graceful  form,  married  man    that  lie 
is,  and  the  father  of  a  family,  small,  but  as  large  as  French  customs 
.t  the  present  time  amon^  the  aristocracy  of  his  country. 

"Shall  we  have  one  more  cigarette  before  we  retire  for  the  ni-ht?" 
asked  the  and  the  «irl  seemed  to  second  the  request,  for  she 

a  quick  look  at  Lewey,  and  then  dropped  her  eyes. 

all  means,"  crie'l  my  fr  .  nj  his  pi;>c    and  tobacco,  but 

I  put  a  veto  on  the  measure. 

"The  senor  I  know  will  excuse  us."  I  s:ii<I.     "  We  h 
day,  and  under  a  warm  sun.     Tomorrow  we  must  start  early,  and  make  a 


Lewey  a>  133 


•v   retire  \l 
ave  no  o-. 

.."  Lcwey  Crumbled  in    1  r 

i!,  and  not   see  dl  :   a   partii 

i  say  not  one  vortl,  but  vink  at  it  all  cie  tiin 
hut  ::it  of  that  pretty  little  child  of  nature  I  \\ 

•Mould  no  longer  trifle  wi:h   her  affections,  if   J 

I  had  don- 
id  be  a  long  time  before  the  se- 

\  >rds  and    warm    iooks,  so  well    c.. 

:  h  a  child  as  Flora 
Dors,"  tli  :  {.  when  he  found  that  ! 

.    ;  you  lor  >lerpin^  quarters  i.>  thr  sh'cd.     There  is  noth- 

nterfere  with  your  slumbers.  PI- 
and  may  the  saiiits  have  you  in  their  keeping  now  an. 
^irl.  \  i  up  until  thi ;  late  hour,  when  it  is  your  i 

to  lie  down  with  the  susi  ?     Your  motii-r  has  l-.-eri  a>k- 

M  me  for  b.-in^   proiane,  but,  ..  note    he: 

:  kirt-p  it  up  all  ni.ctit,  and  in  the  ru  »\v  her  sleep  is 

like  an  iniant's.     Santa  Maria,  but  hear  her  «;o  it.     1   wonder  she  d«- 

help  arrange  the  room  in  which  the  senors  will  s'.ecj 

senors  are  travelers,  and  need  not  be  particular  in  this 

You   need  not  fc 
nere  will  be  nothing  but  coyotes   ; 

care.^  for  t'  1  be  sure  to  keep  at  a  distance  from  the  hccU  of 

the  ca  esc  words,  the  father  motioned   the  -irl  to  enter 

ed  her,  but  did  not  close  the  door,  as  we  expected 
he  would  do. 

•nttered  Lewey  ;  "but  den  it  am  de  custom  of  de  country, 
:;n." 

>  burninjj  fajot  we  cleared  a  spare  wh«- 
"ikcts,  an ' 

morn- 
• 
- 
But,  troufcNH  «  wr  wcrc.itlrtr*****.   ^  id  but 


Lewcy  and  I. 


a  short  nap,  for  I  was  awakened  by  an  unusually  loud  bark  of  a  venture 
some  coyote,  and  looking  out  upon  the  coin  .  lank  animal 
near  the  door  of  the  house,  as  though  engaged  in  reconno  see  if  it 
in  to  enter,  and  hunt  for  a  supper.  I  threw  a  club  at  the  in 
truder,  and  told  Jack  to  keep  quiet,  for  the  dog  was  restless,  having  been 
tied  to  a  beam,  to  keep  him  out  of  danger  while  we  slept,  and  thtn  turned 
over,  and,  to  my  surprise,  found  that  I  was  alone.  LLV,  <.;  i.a\iiii;  Disappeared 
while  I  slept. 

In  an  instant  I  was  wide  awake,  and  on  my  feet.  I  understood  the  mat 
ter  as  plainly  as  if  I  had  been  informed  of  all  that  h  •-;  ired  \\hile  I 
slept.  Out  of  the  building  I  went,  and  walked  away  from  the  house  some 
little  distance,  but  saw  no  one.  Then  I  turned,  and  strolled  in  the  direc 
tion  of  the  dead  mountain  lion,  which  the  coyotes  gave  a  wide  berth,  for 
fear  it  might  not  be  as  defunct  as  it  appeared.  Near  the  animal  I  heard 
low  voices,  and  one  of  them  was  that  of  Florencia,  and  the  other  my  friend 
Lewey's. 

"  I  swear  to  you,"  the  French  lad  was  saying,  "  that  I  loved  you  the  first 
moment  my  eyes  rested  on  your  face.  It  is  beautiful ;  more  charming  than 
the  fairest  girl  in  San  Diego.  Give  me  but  one  kiss  to  prove  you  do  not 
dislike  me,  and  let  me  hope  that  when  I  am  gone  from  here  you  will  not  for 
get  me  in  a  day,  or  a  week.  Assure  me  of  that,  and  I  will  think  of  you  so 
often,  until  I  return,  that  even  your  warm  nature  will  rejoice.1' 

"Take  the  kisV  the  girl  answered.  "  It  is  not  much  to  give  one  like 
you.  liut  as  for  thinking  of  me  when  you  are  in  another  part  of  the  State, 
I  do  not  believe  it.  I  wish  that  I  could,  for  then  I  should  be  happy  even 
if  I  am  separated  from  you." 

The  wretch  put  his  arms  around  the  form  of  the  girl,  and  took  not  only- 
one  kiss  but  a  dozen,  and  she  did  not  seem  to  shrink  from  his  embrace,  as 
she  should,  and  would  have  done,  had  she  known  the  French  lad  as  well  as 
I  did. 

I  thought  it  time  to  interfere.  I  was  resolved  that  the  artless  little  girl 
shouM  not  further  commit  herself,  even  if  Lewey's  assertions  were  s.ncere, 
an.!  >ns  to  doubt  them,  for  although  he  could  fall  in  love 

with  mu'-h  rapidity,  it  was  also  certain  that  he  got  over  his  passion  just  as 
swiftly,  and  without  a  particle  of  heartache.  He  was  a  true  Frenchman  in 
^  respect,  and  did  not  believe  in  moping  when  it  was  possible  to  b 

gav. 

As  I  advanced  the  girl  sprang  from  my  friend's  arms  and  muttered,  — 
"  SanU  Maria,  I  thought  it  was  my  padre.     If  he  should  find  me  here  it 


would  be  death  to  both  of  us.     He  would  chop  us  to  pieces  with  his  mache* 
le,  and  laugh  at  out 

te    will   nut  lisp  a 

Lewey  said,  in  a  i  then,  tun.  __ 

•  t  iu  de  u.  . 

I.     For shanu  :ove  to 

such  a  little  \\  .c,  so  tha1 

.  and  talk  no  more  of  1<>  .i,jnjc 

i  know  that   ra 

ie  present  time.     Conf  i  miserable  flirt,  how  many 

do  you  desire  to  be  engaged  to  at  the  same  time  ?  " 

ur  own  business,  and  let  m 
to  n.  ,iy  friend  said,  in  a  petulant  tone      "  I  interfer 

make  to  all  de  females   of   i 

onc  :M.     Go  back  to  your  blankets,  and  let  alone  me.     S 

nott. 

The  girl  stood  listening  to  the  cor.  .  carried  on   in  low  tor, 

that  the   terribh  padre  would   not   be  d,  and    with   her  ; 

i.     She  could  not  um!  :   Uc  uttcre  1.  but  she  B 

. 
would  to  Lewey 's,  and  a> 

-  \V:-,.it  are  you   talking  about?     Speak   in    J  I 

that  is  going  on." 

n  tone,  "  I  will  not  take  offence  at  your  words, 

:>ecn    friends  tor  many  years,  and  never  h.:  •  quarrel 

that  time.     I  now  appeal  to  your  better  nature  .  a  young 

one  to  be  sure,  to  let  the  girl  enter  the  house,  and   promise  to  see  her  no 

pi  ore 

I  does  not,"  he  asked,  in  a  sullen  tone,  "  vot  de;. 

:s.     As  soon  as  daylight  comes   I   shall  saddle  my  horse,  tr.d 
a  to  San  Diego  alone.     We  part  forcv 

he  pleaded,  a;;  .>e. 

'  link  so,  but   in    a  < 
>'our  If  you  love   her  so  much,  remain    here.  , 

I  to  start  } 

happy  on   this  sol!;  (>ut  of  th- 

and  tell  me  if  you  \\ili  take  the  little  child  for  yo 

\ou  an  hour." 
oas  you  viah,"  was  cr.    «'  I  am  not  de  kind  of  man  to 


Lewey  and  /. 


I  vi.>h  dat  I  could,  for  si  *'l    1   ^° 

•  booful  f.tces." 

"Go  into  the  house,  senorita,"  I  said.     "Your  father  might  awaken,  and 
then  there  would  he  trouble.     L)o  not  stir  out  again  this  ni^ht." 

Jrl  looked  at  Lewey  for  advice.     He  pretended  not  to  W«  the  ; 

.vatching   the   stealthy  movements   of   a  sneaking  coyote 
•:itivcly.     For  a   moment   she   hesitated,   then,  receiving  no    w 
.    my  friend,  turned   toward  the   house,  but,   as   she  did 
-,1  forward,  and  seized    my  hand,  pressed   it  to   her  lips   i:.  u  huir.c.N 
.md  whispered,  — 

or,  I  know  not  what  you  have  said,  but  mil  grnrias  for  your  word* 
and  piesence  here  tonight.  May  you  both  be  happy  will  ever  be  the  pray 
er  of  pcbrecita  Florencia,"  and  she  was  gone. 

i  heard  a  sob,  and  saw  Lewey  brush  away  some  dampness  that  ha  ' 
ered  in  his  eyes. 

u  poor  boy,"  I  said,  as  I  sprang  forward,  and  threw  my  arms  arour  .1 
his  neck,  "are  you  as  hard    hit  as   this  denotes  ?     Do  you  really  lov. 

girl?" 

,  I  dink  I  does,"  was  the  answer.     "  But   I    skall  get  ober  it  in  a  lit- 
fie  dime.     I  is  a  fou  vare  de  vomen  is  concerned." 

"  How  many  do  you  think  you  could  love  at  one  time  ?  "   I  asked. 

'•  I  knows  not,  but  I  skall  like  to  try.     1  dink  clat    I   could   vorshi;.  a   mil 
lion   if  dey  vas  all   booful,  and   did  not  plague  me  vid  der  jealousy.      Now 
mine   ami,    I    is    all    right    vonce    more,    and    vc    vill    sleep    to    go   till  do 
monow/1 

There   was   no  other  incident  during  the  night.      I.cwey  slept,   and,  per- 
s,  dreamed  of  the  object  of  his  worship,  but  he  did  not  move  out  of  the 
shed  until  I  called  him  a  little  after  daylight,  just  as  the  people  in  the  ' 
were   stirring.     Then    we  arose,  packecf  our   blankets   and  traps,  piqu 
our  horses  out  to  graze,  filled  a  large  calabash  with  water,  and   ha  1    .1 
wash,  a  proceeding  that    made  the  greaser  look  on,  and   \\>  '   the 

wife  to  smile  in  a  sarcastic  manner,  as  though  she  could  not  see  the  n-vd 
of  such  useless  proceedings,  while  Flo.-cncia  wet  her  face  and  hands  at  the 
spring,  and  dried  them  on  a  cloth  that  must  h.;  in  the  family  n 

years,  and  had  never  been  what  the  women  rail  "  boi'ed  out." 

i:\rlcd   the  fire,  and   mixed  the  us-ial  di^h   of   t 

prepared  an  olia,  which  she  was  to  cook  in  a  Ma.r'^.nhen  pot,  ^n- 
had  been  licked  by  a  coyote  the  night  before,  and,  to  prevent  our  stom 
from  being  turned,  Lewey  snatched  the  crock  up,  and  went  to  rhr  spring, 


Lrwey  and  1.  137 


giving  t'  !;lc   \\itl 

I 

em  in  the  K-ast  offended  at  my  ofiicio- 
i  ,  but  the  rich  blood  mounted  the  dark  chce'-. 

mie  that  did  not    find    vent   in    \\  • 

i  haveiindoii  itrastcd  her   sun  on  ridings    \\ith 

were  Oui  md   lamented    her  fate    more    bitterly  than 

before. 

;i  we  contributed  our  share  to  the  :.  —  a  lilt.  .md  su* 

gir.  :ier  a  hearty  meal,  smoked  until  the  sun   arose,  ami  v. 

to    be   on   our   w:».  .     Then    we    kaddlcd    »ur   aniin.il 

them,  nnd  were  ready  for  our  long  journey  over  the   trail,  and   touattis   the 
oioun; 

'in-,'  nursilves  into   the    saddles.      '      ' 
ith  \ou."  and  we  touclu-d  our  sombreros,  and  t; 
salutation.     The  wife  smiled  on    us,  and  bade  us  come  ;; 
ICC  us  at  any  time. 

•o'.md   to  bid    Florencia   farewell,  but  the 
,;e  had  di  !  when  we  put  the  saddles  on  the  anim  tls. 

i  .-aid,  tl  rn    v.c   an 
coui  .          ;iail,  Jack  at  the  horses'  heels, gl.id  to 

L  WOrd,  b'Jt  he  often  looked   back  to  see 

:   lady.      For   ten   minutes  or  mm 

along,  ami  th  chapparel  pat; 

enci  .  ;i  the  trail,  an  .1   uttei 

.  attention  to   me.     He  spurred  on    li 
'.  j  impo  1  from  the  saddle   to   the   i 
•i  1  kissed  her  several  tiim->  witlx.ut  an;. 
i  line. 

•  •nil  n(.t  '.  ,\c  me  without  saying  one  word   of  f.u 

\   wish    mv    |>adie    to   notice   our    , 
(. 

The  .  !  irk  han  ' 

!.    

aji  horn  his  resting 

1  then,  just  about  fiity   fall 

tahtd  Ei     . 


138  Lewey  and  7. 


side  of  us,  and  uttered  a  shrill  yell  of  triumph,  and  brandished  long  lances, 
tn  which  wore  hung  locks  of  human  hair  and  feathers,  and  it  did  not  take 
nd  glance  to  reveal  to  us  that  the  strangers  were  wild  Indians,  admi 
rably  mounted  on  hardy  mustangs,  and  silting  the  animals  without  the  aid 
of 'saddles  or  stirrups,  bridles  or  head  gear  of  ^ny  kind  to  guide  their 
horses,  as  untamed  as  the  riders.  All  this  we  sa\v,  and  then  realized  that 
we  were  in  the  presence  of  a  roving  band  of  Indians  from  the  other  side  of 
the  mountains,  scouring  the  plains  in  the  hope  of  securing  plunder,  in  the 
shape  of  caitle  and  women,  scalps  and  horses,  and,  in  the  days  ot  \\hich  I 
write,  the  savages  did  a  large  business  in  the  southern  part  of  California, 
crossing  the  mountains  when  they  pleased,  for  there  was  no  one  to  make 
them  afraid,  or  drive  them  back  to  what  is  now  known  as  Arizona,  then  a 
wilderness,  and  the  home  of  the  fierce,  treacherous  Apache  Indians,  and 
members  of  this  tribe  were  now  before  us  calculating  on  an  easy 
ronquest. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE     APACHE    ATTACK.  —PAINTED     WARRIORS,    AND     THKIR     CHARGE.— 
1H    TO    THE    INDIANS. —  RETURN    TO   THE    RANCH!:.—!!. 

it.  — A   HORSE  TRADE. —OUR  JOURNEY   Ri  —TUB 

K    BUZZARDS   AND  COYOTES.  —TROUT  FISHING.  —  RAN'CHK 
VALLMCITO.  —  A    PROPOSITION. —  THE    NIGHT  CAMP,    AND    A 
APPARITION, 

*  I  "HE  only  Indians  we  had  ever  before  seen  were  those  met  at  the  mis* 
•*•    i.i  ranches  of  California,  and  were  called  tame,  because  they 

had  re  ne  enlightenment  by  the  aid  of  priests,  whose  willing  ser 

vants  the  j;e<>'is  were,  receiving  only  food  and  a  shirt  for  the  labor  which 
ned,  not  very  arduous  at  any  time.     The  tame  bucks  we  had  al< 
•oked  upon  with  perfect  contempt,  as  not  possessing  the  feel  : 
<    of  ;i   warrior,  but  here,  just  ahead  of  us,  was  something  different 
.e  had  been  accustomed  to,  for  the  half-naked  visitors  sat  their 
like  centaurs,  and  there  did  not  appear  to  be  much  lameness  about 
them,  for  they  uttered  a  yell  that  denoted  triumph,  and  shook  their  lances 
in  our  direction,  and  then,  seeing  there  were  but  three  of  us,  counting  the 
girl,  and  leaving  out  the  dog,  prepared  to  charge  down  the  trail. 

.  mother  of  Jesus,"  Florencia  cried.  "  Fly  to  the  rancho 
for  your  lives.  The  Apache  Indians  are  on  us,  and  will  take  your  scalps. 
Turn  your  horses,  and  escape  if  possible." 

it  will  you  do  ? "  asked  Lewey,  who  felt  more  anxious  for  the 
than  for  his  own.     I  will  give  him  the  crccin  .  *  that 

his  first  thought  w.is  for  the  little  !  .1  not  personal  preservation. 

Even  if  we  had  turned,  and  spurred  our  horses  to  their  utmost  speed,  we 

could  not  have  reached  the  ranche  in  time  to  escapt  a  spear  thrust. 
10 


•1  Lti'cey  and  7. 


-ter  mounted  and  far  more  txpert  horsemen  than  \ve  could 
ever  hope  10  be,  even  if  we  had  spent  a  life  in  taking  le.s^ms  from  the  best 

jquently,   in   our  surpri 

best  thing  that  was  possible  under  the   circu:r, 
the   Indians  expected  we    would  do  when    they  first    sighted  us,  a; 

them  a  little   suspicious   of  an   ambush,  which    the  rascals  d:  I 

above  ail  things.     They  feared  that  there  might  be  Mexicans   hiiiik-n  in  the 
happarel,  on  each  side  of  the    trail,  and  for  that  reas  n  hesitated  to 
.  .ui'l  crush  us  at  a  blow. 

Mind  me,"  Florencia  cried,  in  answer  to  Lc  nl.     "  The 

saints  will  have  me  in  their  keeping.     Ride  for  your  1  .  ;  are  dead 

men.     Those  warriors  know  no  fear,  and  have  no  mercy  on  all  :1. 
There  are  four  of  them,  and  only  two  of  you.      lie  warned  in  time,"  and  the 
young  girl  knelt  at  my  friend's  Icet,  and  raise  1     her  hands  in   supplication, 
so  that  he  would  be  moved  by  her  appeals. 

.ill  I  leave  you  like  a  coward,"  Lewey  exclaimed.  "I  would 
have  acted  a  treacherous  part  toward  you,  but  may  the  devil  fly  away  with 
me,  as  I  suppose  he  will  some  day,  if  I  don't  make  it  warm  for  the  savages 
before  they  take  you  prisoner." 

He  snatched  up  his  rifle  as  he  spoke,  and  then  glanced  at  me,  and,  as  his 
eyes  met  mine,  I  thought  that  he  was  not  the  worst  boy  in  the  world,  even 
if  he  did  like  to  flirt  with  pretty  girls,  and  Uase  them,  when  he  should  have 
been  honest  and  frank.  \^f 

i  vill  stick  by  me,  old  friend?"  the  hid  asked.  He  spoke  in  Eng 
lish,  and  hurriedly,  for  there  was  no  time  to  lose,  as  the  Indians  showed 
signs  of  charging  toward  us,  seeming  to  divine  that  we  were  without  sup 
ports. 

"  As  long  as   I   have  life,"  was   my  answer,  and  the    French  boy's  face 

d  up  with  the  joy  he  felt  at  the  words. 

"  I  knowed  it,"  he  cried.  "  Dismount,  and  let  de  girl  hold  de  horses,  so 
dat  avay  dcy  vill  not  run.  Ve  can  much  better  shoot  on  d*  foot  den  in  de 
saddle." 

Down  I  dropped  to  the  ground,  and  threw  the  bridle  of  rr?y  horse  to  the 
girl.  She  understood  the  meaning  o:  the  action  as  well  as  though  we  had 
explained  the  matter  by  half  a  hundred  words.  Florencia  -taried  the  ani 
mals  along  the  trail  that  led  to  her  home,  and  when  the  Indians  saw  the 
movement,  and  understood  that  there  was  a  ,  'aping, 

—  a  prize   that  they  coveted  more   than  a  dozen  head  <-f  cattle, — they  ut» 
!1,  lowered  their  lon^  lacces,  and  dashed  toward  us,  s\vay- 


and  I. 


Hr  Uidi.  Ivaoced,  so  that  our  aim  would 

Ik**     I  think  they  did  not  ,  vol- 

they  h.ul  encountered  on  the  raid,  it  is  very  proba- 

ipM*f  th  -i  at  the 

.  ipcd,  an.; 

,n  on  ile  starboard  I  French  friend  said  I 

••  and'  i    vill  de  von  on  de  larlxjard  side  look  after,  t 

.  and  Qd  mistake  make/' 
I  ,ment  of  peril  Lewey  did  not  forget  t 
more  meaning  to  my  car,  than  if  he  1.  . 

i,  and  by  this  time   the  Apaches  I 
s  from  us,  riding   like  a  whirlwind,  and   looking  1 
.  feathers,  yelling  in  concert,  and  shaking  their  i 

id  at  th«  word  we  discharged  our 
we  could  into   the  cha:  .  u.l.  OB  each  side  of  the  ;• 
,ins  the  rirte*  as  we  did  so,  and  drawing  our  pistols. 

ve    made  the  leaps  we  did,  for  in  another  secoi. 

n  the  lames  of   the  two  uninjir-.  -»im 

,,    a  wonder,  and  both  the    Indians  we  had 
.ivance  of  the  others,  tumbled  from   their   horses,  and   li 

'.  ;i:id  waited  for    the  owners   to  i  but  the? 

-land   sufficient  rc-aso;, 

tainted   brnt-vs    havir--    snvtll    bullet    ;  fieJr 

complrt 

lades,  a  4 

,ichesdid  not  lie  still  even  a- 
clump  of  chapparcl,  and  with  their 
|  -rass,  so  that  in  death  t: 

,  i-nemies. 

-.odr..ppcd  our  rifles,  and  drew  or 

nearly  as  hi^h  as  our  heads  and 

^   Indians,  when  they  were  not  more  than  three 
,•;    from   my  pistol   struck   MK  '»t  of  the 

(.  Of  the  t:  -lan-.-ed   from   the  bo., 

f   the  mustang  he  was 

•.tnin..;.  thro  A  in*  the   Indian   lo   the   ground,  ne.  icct, 

an;!  |  -nee,  the  warrior  mi-  hi  "  me 

^  •  n   lie  eo- 

OU1  ai  my  stomach,  **   I  was  too 


Lewey  and  /. 


astonished  to  get  out  of  the  way,  or  discharge  my  remaining  pistol  full  at 
).t  have  done,  had  I  possessed  proper  presence   of  mind 
lime  to  consider  my  danger. 

The  Aiuche  had  raised  his  spear,  as  I  was  looking  at   his  hideous  face, 

.iked  with   thick  layers  of  paint,  and  thinking  how  fortunate  it  was  he 

aged  to  dismount  so  suddenly,  when  Jack  thought  that  the  time 

had  arrived  for  him  to  take  a  hand,  and  show  what  he  could  do  to  j  : 

that  he  was  a  dog  of  courage  and  resources.     He  did  not  need  to  be  told  to 

10!  instinct  prompted  him  to  make  a  sudden  attack,  and.  while  the 

was  just  on   the  point  of  giving  me  a  thrust,  Jack  made  a  mighty 

bound,  and  landed  full  on  the  back  of  the  Apache's  neck,  and  commenced 

chawing  at  the  flesh  and  muscles,  as  if  desirous  of  securing  a  litt'.c  lunch  of 

:>t  to  see  how  it  would  taste. 

The  us  not  prepared  for  this  demonstration.     His  lance's  point 

fell,  as  he  turned  to  meet  the  new  enemy.     He  reached  for  the  long  knife  in 
his  ,  and,   if   he  could  have  secured  it  at  the  first  attemi  :.  Jack's 

life  might  have  ended  then  and  there,  but  the  angry  snaps  that  tiie  dog 
gave  disconcerted  the  savage,  and,  muttering  some  malediction  in  the 
ie,  he  made  a  second  attempt,  but  by  this  time  I  had  come  to 
my  senses,  no  longer  fascinated  and  dazed  by  that  terrible  face.  He  had 
exerted  over  my  senses  some  such  spell  as  the  rattlesnake  is  supposed  to 

ver  human  beings,  birds,  and  animals. 

As  the  savage  again  reached  for  his  knife,  feeling  the  pain  of  Jack's  long 
and  sharp  teeth  tearing  at  the  flesh  in  a  fury  of  rage  and  desperation,  I 
<:c  the  long  lance  from  the  hand  that  held  ii.  .nnd  th.-n 
plunged  it  thro-i^ii   the  bvly  of  the  prostrate  Indian.     He  uttered  one 

ad  defiance,  the  hand  fell  to  his  side,  the  eyes  grew  dim.  a  shudder 
ran  through  tiie  body,  and  the  warrior  was  dead,  and  the  instant  life  cea 
Jack  relinquished  his  attack,  and  uttered  a  howl,  as  though   to  bark   a 
quicm  for  the  spirit  that  had  gone  to  its  happy  hunting-grounds. 

.  for  the  first  time,  I  had  a  chance  to  turn  my  at  enti« 
•ee  what  had  become  of  the  boy.     He  missed  the  Indian  tli.it  was  on* 
side  of  the  trail,  because  his  pistol  hung  fire,     it  had  L!!  •  ;he 

wrong  moment,  and,  before  he  could  cock  the   se<  -die 

I    the  girl  and  horses.     Lewey    <.'. •! 

of  the  safety  of  Florencia,  an 

fataii  d  the  savage  who  had  tumbled  from  \\.  •  my 

feet.     He  imagined  that  I  was  more  than   a  match   for  a  (iisuvurit'-d,  half- 
dead  Apache,  but  he  was  much  mistaken.     I  afterward  warned  him  to  be 


me 

| 

1 

one  of  the  two  m  : 
,11  riderk-  for  the  word  of  command  from  ti 

red  in  pursuit,  but  did  not  care  to  mount  a  hor>e  that  had  nei- 
r  bridle,  for  fear  it  might  take  me  to  a  par: 

.sit,  perhaps  in  the  midst  of  the  rest  of  the  r  -be, 

v.is  not  far  off. 

1  picked  up  my  rifle,  and  Lewey's  also,  for  he  had  left  it  behind,  in  his 
>;iit,  and  then  slung  one  of  them  over  my  shoulder,  and 
tl  I  tro'tted  after  my  friend.     I   did   not  know  h 
-.ere  near,  but  was  determined  to  be  prepared  in  case  t 
. 

1   no:  run  more  than  fifty  fathoms  before  I  heard  a  roar 
It  s  fee  the  Mexican's  musket,  for  there  was  no  other  weapon  : 

us  that  could  make  so  much  noise,  it  appeared  to  me. 

ecouds  there  was  a  shout  of  triumph,  nut  from    : 

•-,ero.  and  I  surmised  that  the  old  fellow  hud  done  some  damage  with 
1*8,  perhaps  killed  the  fleeing  Apache,  and  such  was  the  < 
•mid,  when  I  arrived  at  y  of   the 

>ide  of  his  head  blown  away,  and  prcscntin 
not  accustomed  to  such  wounds. 

11  proud  as  a  peacock  over  1,;  -inted 

to   the   wounds,    and    then  to   the   large  muzzle  of  his 

;et. 

.  and  was  in  the  yard  with  our  horses.     Tl. 
e  firing  soon  after  we  had  left  his  house,  and,  thi: 
Mans  near,  as  his  wolfish  dog  was 
that   danger  of  some   kind  I 
.ind  remained  in  ambush  until  the  Ind: 

•m  :hter.     Then  he   understood   the  whole   matter 

rd  to  pass,  and,  when  the  Aparhe  h«nv  in  si 

a  handful  of  shot  d  in  his  head,  the  \  -iM  have 

been  i.  just  at  that  time. 

1  congratulations   :  1   thcrt  tl 

returning  to  the  spot  whr-rr  we  hid  hern  fi. 
the    AI\I«: 


Lewey  and  I. 


ty,  as  he  said  that  they  were  apt  to  break  up  into  small  bands,  and  scour 

the  country  in  every  direction,  meet  at  some  spot  near  the  mountain. - 

all  the  plunder  and  prisoners,  and  then  depart  through  a  secret  canvon  for 

•ithern  portion  of  Arizona,  from   whence   they  came.     This  was  the 

'•ne  in  two  years,  as  he  again  told  us,  the  Apaches   had  made   a  raid, 

and  he  rather  suspected  the  Indians,  that  is  the  main  body,  had  gone  in  the 

jn  of  San  Diego,  where  there  were  more  cattle  and  females  for  pris- 

.     At  any  rate,  it  would  not  be  safe  for  us  to  continue  our  journey  for 

•r  two,  as  we  might  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  prowling  ladrones,  and 

lose  the  number  of  our  mess,  although  he  did  not  express  himself  in   such 

nautical  language. 

As  we  returned  to  the  scene  of  the  charge,  the  two  dogs  followed  at  ou» 
heels,  a  common  feeling  of  danger  seeming  to  make  them  fast  friends,  for 
the  time  being,  as  they  did  not  snap  or  growl  at  each  other  like  the  nigh* 
before,  and  in  the  morning.  Indeed,  the  animals  appeared  to  express  to 
each  other  a  feeling  of  satisfaction  that  they  had  done  so  well  when  hard 
blows  were  called  for. 

As  we  neared  the  spot  we  saw  the  two  horses  standing  motionless,  wait 
ing  for  their  masters  who  would  never  mount  them  again,  The  Mexican 
looked  at  the  brands  on  the  flanks  of  the  mustangs,  and  knew  them  as  well 
as  if  they  had  been  printed  matter.  Much  better,  in  fact,  for  he  could  not 
read  a  word  of  Spanish. 

"  They  are  from  the  Ranche  Vallecito,"  he  said,  and  pointed  toward  the 
north,  in  the  direction  of  the  trail.  "  They  must  have  been  stolen  tw<> 

::en  the  great  raid  vyas  made,  for  it  takes  an  Indian  a  year  to  break 
in  a  mustang,  and  teach  him  all  the  tricks  necessary  to  be  an  Apache's  best 
"riend,  something  that  can  be  trusted  night  and  day,  will  come  at  hi- 
and  stand  until  told  to  go.  I  will  let  them  mingle  with  my  herd,  if  I  h.i\v 
any  left,  and  in  a  few  weeks'  time  they  will  forget  some  of  their  wild  train 
ing,  and  not  sniff  at  a  white  man,  as  you  see  these  do." 

As  he  finished  speaking  the  Mexican  attempted  to  lay  his   hand  on   the 

nearest  mustang,  but  the  horse  reared,  and  struck  at  the  greaser  with  his 

fore  feet,  and  then  bit  at  the  man  in  a  vicious  manner.     The   Mexican  did 

not   seem   surprised  at  the  attack.      He   easily   avoided   it,  and  then   hit 

ite  over  the  ruu.k  with  a  stick,  and   the  anitn.il   I.IJK-.I  alon^  the  trail 

for  a  few  fathoms,  then  stopped  suddenly,  and  glanced  back,  as  if  he  had 

ten  something,  and  could  not  tell  what  it  was. 

is  looking  for  his  savage  master,"  the  Mexican  remarked.    "  It  is 
curious  that  the  mirting  should  love  one  who  treats  him  as  111  as  an 


£***>  and  L 

The  more  abuse,  the  longer  the  greater  re- 

Now  let  us  find  the   bodies  of  the  dead,  if 
is  blood  "a  i!  .     .  i  hard 

•n  the  backs  of  their  horses. 
and  be  on  :  there  is  no  km 

to  in  the  tali  grass.     It  they  are  not  dead  they  can  do  u 
il." 

ent  the  dogs  into  the  chapparel,  and  then  followed  then. 
tiously,  our  rifles  all  ready  for  action.     We  did  not  have 
trail  of  the  wounded  savages  was  quite  distinct,  and   well  detir 
of  blood.     In  a  clump  of  grass  one  Apache  was  lying,  still  a]  in  the 

agonies  of  deatlj.     He  looked  at  us  with  a  scowl  of  hate  on  his  painted  face, 
and  then  commenced  to  chant  his  dying  song,  for  he  knew 
no  mercy  in  the  dark,  swarthy  face  of  the  Mexican. 

B   of  the  devil,"  the  greaser  cried,  "your  time  has  come, 
the  rietul  who  created  you,"  and,  before  we  could  interfere,  he  hail 
iiice,  and  drove  it  through  the  red  man's  bo 

i  the   enemies  of   V  the  greaser  shouted,  and   re 

peated  the 

The  Apache  gave  a  gasp,  and  was  dead. 

was   a  cruel   deed,"   Lewey  remarked,   and   turned 
•bud 

ou  knew  the  painted  dcviis  as  well  as  I  do  you  would  not  think  so," 
was  the  reply.    "They  will  torture  the  life  out  of  you,  and  laugh  K 
groans.     They  spare  neither  women  nor  children.     Should  I  save  hi-; 
the  death  he  so  well  merits  ?     Let  the  buzzards  feast  on   his  flesh,   and 
the  coyotes  pick  his  bones,  for  his  race  has  ended  forever." 

\Vc  sent  the  dogs  on  the  other  trail,  and  found  the  body  of  the   Indian, 
but  there  was  no  life  in  his  hideous  carcass.     He  must  have  been  a 
chief,  for  his  lance  was  ornamented  with  several  long  locks  of  hair,  looking 
like  a  woman's,  and  his  leggings  were  embroidered  with  the  quiils  of  a  por- 

k  of  some  squaw  he  had  left  at  home  to  mourn  : 
scnce,  or  rejoice  at  his  death,  just  according  to  his  domestic  relations 
suppose  Indian  females  are  like  their  white  sisters  in  this  respect  at  least, 
and  jud^e  of  a  husband  by  his  treatment. 

We  left  the  bodies  where  we  had  found  them,  the  horses  uient- 

ly  for  their  misters,  and  returned  to  the  ranche,  where 

-.  ith  a  smile  of  approval.     Our  animals  '.   Florencia 

had  taken  the  precaution  to   remove  the  saddles,  and  piquette  the  beasU 


Lewey  and  I. 

ihe  house,  where  the  grass  was  abundant  and  ;tly 

did  not  intend  that  we  should  resume  our  journey  imn.eu  i  her  fa 

ther  was  of  the  same  opinion,  for  he  said,  — 

'•You  mint  wait  until  tomorrow  befoie  you  start.     'II  !>e  more 

Apaches  on  the  trail,  and  if  you  should  meet  them  they  would  be 

better  prepared  for  a  fight  than  those  who  have  fallen.     This  is   ihe  safest 
for  you  for  a  short  time  at  least/' 

voting  girl's  face  showed  some  of  the  pleasure  she  felt  at  lur  father's 
words,  but  she  did  not  raise  her  eyes  from  the  groi:  to  hear 

her  parent's  advice.     Lewcy  stole  a  look  at  me  to  sec  how  ;  the 

announcement.     I  was  a  little  perplexed.     There  w. 

:  remViuing  where  we  were,  but  my  friend,  in  a  tone 
.;  ked,  — 

"You  can  trust  me,  Thorn.     I  swear  to  you  by  our   frit-mMim  d.u  i  vill 
not  say  one  vord  to  de  girl  I  should  not  be  villing  tor  you  to  fa 

I  confidence  in  Ins  word,  trusted  him,  and  agreed  to  reir.air,  \\hcre  we 
until  the  next  morning. 

"  lly  the  way,"  said  the  father,  as  he  lighted  a  cigarette,  an  example 

whicii'his  wife  followed,  as  soon  as  we  had  passed  them  a  package,  and  he 

-.ed  at  his  daughter  a  little  suspiciously,  "  what   were    >ou   doing  so   f.ir 

m  the  house  this  morning?  and  why  did  you  not  remain   to  bid  our 

s  God  speed  ?  " 

••  1   did  not  think  they  would  care  for  my  good  vifthet,"  was  the  reply, 

thus  showing  that  a  Mexican  girl  can  equal  an  American   maiden  in  equivu- 

thcre  is  occasion   to  deceive  a  father,  and   keep   .secret  her 

«  Ihit  you  were  a  long  way  from  the  house,"  the  Mexican  said.     "Had  it 
nese  senors  you  would  now  be  a  prisoner  in  the  hands  of   ihe 
.     You  must  be  more  careful  in  the  future  how  you   take    sol 

"  I  was  in  search  of  qiu  I  know  where  there  is  a  covy  in  the 

ch,  rl  answer,  tab    iiKr.illca  her  l.s  as  she 

Ihc  n-1'lysct-  th.it  her  errand   nom  home  was  a 

I    further  .  •     He 

1-anisut  the  1  ndians,  and  in 

M  sincere, 

-,iia  that  should  surpass  allot 

he  i 


The  sun  came  out  hot.     We  lounged  in  the   courtyard,  our  rifle 

>e  more   Indians  should   make  t  ,  and 

.  but  a  few  of  the  tribe  might  put  in  an  appearance,  search- 

:    their  lost  comrades.     We  neither  saw  nor  heard  icious 

ever,  until  about  eleven  o'clock,  when  both  dogs  grew  un- 

.m<1  uttered  short  yelps  of  anger. 

can,  as  he  noticed  the  movements  of  the  animals,  dropped  on 
his  kn-  1  one  of  his  ears  close  to  the  ground,  and  listenc 

.orseman  is  approaching  us  on  a  swift  lope,"  he  said.     ''He   is  not 
an  In«iian.  and  the  beast  is  guided  by  bit  and  bridle.     To  prevei. 
however,  let  us  be  prepared  to  give  the  stranger  a  warm  recepi 

ould  hear  nothing,  but  in  a  minute   or  more   the  swift  heat  of  a 
I  were  noticed,  and  along  the  trail,  from  the  direction 

in  half-breed,  superbly  mounted  on  a  showy  m- 
j  over  his  shoulders  as  he  dashed  alon^.  I  soni- 

n  the  back  of  his  head,  and  his  long,  black,  coarse  hair  fluttering  iu 

s   Pedro/'  the   Mexican  said,  as  he  dropped  the  butt  of  his  heavy 
mus 

>  is  Pedro?"  I  asked,  as  the  horseman  aj 

•:ient  courier.     He  rides 

-patches.     It  is  a  lonely  journey  for  him.  a-id  fuil  of 
the  man  is  well  j»aul,  and  likes  his  work.     'J  \ 
-.!>.in   Pec!: 

•    r  it  WAI  evident  he  in:- 
.  tion,  and  shouted  out  a  Mexican 

<.u«:  twenty-five  yrars  of  a^c,  thin  and  n 
in  the  saddle,  threw  his  horse  on  its  hau: 
;  ce  of  us,  stopping  him  so  siuli'rnly  that   the  f 
;  grass  for  some  distance.     Then  the   vaquero  m  hin 

he  touched  the  ground,  saluted  all  present 
•rcro,  and  said,  — 

y    scnors 

re  he  had   halted,  tip'oed  to  the  fn 
f  the  company  present. 

king  fellow,  with  eyes  as  hl.ick  a 

• 
,^,  if  that  was  better  an-i 


Ltwey  and  7. 


He  unbuckled  the  huge  spurs  from  his  heels,  laid  aside  the  light  carbine 
which  he  i  £  over  his  *  \ictd  tlie  long,  sharu  knife  and 

!,  — 

:  "  and  motioned  toward  Lewey  and  m 

"Tv,  :h    caballeros,    on    their    \\.t;     up    the    c<>  host 

red. 

.  response.     ••  '  •.••_•  re  Americanos." 

''  V-  1  you  fear  they  were  Americanos  ?  *'  ask;;J  our  h      . 

.red  between  the  Unite,!  States  aa  1   Mexico,  and 
we  cannot  be  too  c  ireful  if  all  sospechoso 

"  It  n  it  little  whut  country  <i  ;n  1:1  comes  from  if  he  helps  me  at 

a  pine  |      iballeros  have  done   t'.iis   morning,"  our  M 

host  a  .  >r  French,  they  have  my  thanks." 

"A'..  .  -.vith  the  wild    Indians?"  asked   the  c 

"  I  sa,  on  the  trail,  and  flocks  of  bu/./.ards  hovering  over  the 

chlff'i  .  were  about  to  make  an  attick  on  a  corpse  or  injured 

<:u  kill  any  o   th  ie»?" 

ir  of  them  have  gone  to  their  happy  hunting-,:  '•••.•  the 

hands  senors,  and  one  by  the  aid   of  my  old  musket,  which 

it." 

"  I  v  .t  it  no  more,  nmigo,  if  you  have  sent  an  Indian  to 

fernai  i  .here  tlL-;,  VV.-iat   were  they?     Apach 

the  cour: 

a  raid   for  cattle  and  prisoners.     These  senors  r-av 
•ining.  and  sliot  those  beasts  who  would  have  captured  her. 
Think  md  \\hy  1  should  not  stop  to  ask  wh-i 

counti  -ul  tiic   Mexican  looked   some  of  the  grat: 

tclt. 

"  Diabio,"  the  courier  said,  as  he  removed   his  sombrero,  and   o\t 

>ed  worthy  of  a   Mexican.     Frenchmen  or 

should  be  proud  of  killing  an   Indim,  and  doubly  grand  when  it  is  an  ac- 
Apache,  whom  thes.ain'-  isi'^n    to  the  eternal   region   of  tire 

for  all  I  care.     S  n  pk-as<_.;  hands  with  such   bueno  h-»m- 

bres.     Hereafter  cor..  in  everything." 

We  shool.  th  great  !  .ami   offered   the  .   ircsh 

:ctte,  which  he  accepted  with  a  profusion  of  thanks. 

I      :ro,"  the   Mexican  host    said,  after  the 

cerem  rmed.     '•  such   pressing  news  that  you 

must  scour  tlie  earth  with  your  horse's  feet  ?'' 


Lewey  and  I.  151 


I  should  say  so.    The  Amerir.  Clustering  at  the 

.  and  General  Castro  has  shaken  them  up,  and  is  preparing  to  drive 
the  accursed  heretics  into  the  mountains,  where  they  can  starve.     A  war 
ship  is  at  San  Pedro,  and  the  people  of  Los  Angeles  i 
ros  will  m.uch  by  land,  and  attack  the  town.     I  have  desjjatches  to  the  al- 
calda  of  San  Diego,  praying  him  to  put  in  order  the  presidio,  at  the  e  . 
of  the  harbor,  and  to  give  the  heretics  a  warm  •_•   they 

should  dare  to  venture  near  in  one  of  their  ships.  Our  people  are  aroused, 
and  will  fight  for  California  until  the  last  drop  of  blood  is  she 

Considering  that  the  presidio  at  San  Diego  had  but  '  nieces,  and 

those  were  spiked  and  useless  by  neglect,  we  did  not  think  our  ships  would 
:nuch  while  rounding  Ballast  Point,  and  could  not  believe  that  all  the 
greasers  of  the  State  were  prepared  to  die  for  the  Mo.  ''ist  at  pres 

ent.  The  news  did  not  alarm  us  in  the  least,  as  we  had  heard  just  such 
rumors  before.  We  thought  that  Captain  Fremont  and  his  men  could  take 
care  of  themselves,  and  not  get  much  hurt,  and  the  result  justified  our 
crude  opinions. 

s  is  indeed  news,"  our  host  said.     "  You  must  rest  here,  and  eat,  so 
that  you  can  go  on   in  the  afternoon.     I  will  i^ive  you  a  fresh  horse  when 
ready  to  start,  and  you  can  take  yours  when  returning,  if  the  accursed   In- 
do  not  run  it  off  with  the  rest  of  the  stock." 

i  common  practice,  and  excited  no  expression  of  ^ratitn 
looked  with  admiration  at  the  courier's  steed,  for  it  was  a  noble  anim 
gentle  fast. 

•'  Let  me  exchange  with  you,"   I  said   to   Pedro.     "  I  like  your  horse. 
Mine  is  fresh,  and  can  carry  a  man  to  San  Diego  by  m 
vou  a  doil.ir,  —  for.  although    I  am  poor,  I  have  that  amount  of  mo: 
iition  to  my  caballo,  for  you: 
or,"  said  the  courier,  "the  horse  is  r 

with  him.     He  is  a  noble  brute,  and  true  a^  in  held 

•  real  piece,  took  it,  tested  it  with  his  u-eth,  to  see 
th.it  :t  was  not  counterfeit,  and  seeme 
grinned. 

This  may  seem  a  cheap  price,  but  our  host  would  have  been  ?'ad  to  have 
dispose-l  of  all  the  horses  on  the  ranche  for  a  dollar  eac 
»elf  v. 

M  Courage,  amigo,"  the  M  ed  Lew<    '  \  little 

•  ist  at  the  :'  my  bcins:  better   mour/ 

shall  have  a  caballo  equally  aa  good,  and  it  s:  I  vou  anyt: 


Le'Jucy  and  /. 

.   ia,  can  you  find  the  bay  bronco,  tlrj  one  I  have  rid<  n.  and 

urn  to  the  corral  this  afternoon?  " 

"  \'es,  padre,"  was  the  ready  answer.     "  I  know  where  lie  .;  when 

the  sun  goes  down."  and  a  flush  of  \'.  :>o;ne 

he  thought  of  the  happiness  >hc  w.is  to  render  her  lo\ 
Pedro  looked  at  the  girl  with  the  admirati  m  he  did  not   ; 
ceal,  and  I  thought  that  I  could  account  for  the  rest  hi  at  the 

lonely  ranche,  even  if  his  despatches  were  unseat.     He  \\a-s  in  l«u-  ..  1  ke  my 

i  more  suitable  match  for  the  Jrl  th  in  Lev, 

dered  she  did  not  fancy  the  dark-ey^l  vaquero,  who  had  all  the  brilliant 
qualities  calculated  to  win  a  donce'.lito  ia  her  station  of  life.  1'ut  she  pre 
ferred  a  white  face  and  blue  eyes,  as  the  contiast  was  mi  le  striking  than  a 
dark  skin  such  as  she  possessed. 

I  went  to  my  purchase,  stripped  the  saddle  from  his  back,  and  then    pi- 
!  him  where   the  feed   was  good,  rubbed    the  perspiration  from  his 
flanks  and  back,  and  the  brute  seemed  to  like  the  attention,  for  he  put  his 
igainst my  shoulder,  and  uttered  a  whinny  of  delight  at  such  treat 
ment,  something  he  lad  never  experienced   at  the  hands  ol  his  former 
owner. 

Our  Mexican  host  and  the  courier  laughed  at  the  exhibition  I  was  mak- 

.1  even  the  wife  smiled  in  a  sarcastic  manner,  but    Florencia  seemed 

to^approve  of  my  doings,  for  she  gave  me  a  glance  from  her  expressive 

black  eyes  that  would  have  made  Pedro  happy  for  a  day,  had    he  been  the 

recipient  of  the  great  favor. 

Not  content  with  my  ministration,  I  led   the  horse   to   the   spring   for  a 
drink  of  fresh  water,  but  he  did  not  seem  to  care  for  it,  as  it  was   D 

time  for  drinking,  morning  and  evening  being  the  hours  in  which  he 
Jvas  accustomed  to  quench  his  thirst,  when   water  was   convenient,  and  his 
r  not  too  indolent  to  turn  him  toward  a  river  or  pond.     Then    I    pro- 
;          a  couple  of  quarts  of  barley,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  scr 
\nim.il  feed  as  if  he  liked  the  gram,  an  :!>e  attent' 

i  would  spoil  a  mustang  in  two  weeks."  P^Jro  said,  as  I  n-tui 

>up  sitting  in  the  shade  of  the  house,  and   awaiting  with  patience  for 

;..i   which   the   wife  was  tending.     *  Our  hoi  uuly  and  do  not 

Care.     They  can  pick  up  a  livi-  ''id   think    them- 

i  fortunate  if  they  do  not  have  to  lope   a   hundred    miles  on   an   empty 

more  you  pet  a  bro  1   the 

«,f   the  v  id   not 

.1:  .1-  r,  or  be  abused,  and  in  this  instance  my  kindness  was 


Lewey  and  /. 


well  the  mustang  I  bo<:  for  a  dollar  and  a  poor  sped- 

if  horse  flesh  thrown  in  to  boot. 

>oe  anything  of  the  Indians  on  your  w 
gathered  around   the  olia,  which  the   wife   pronounced   r; 
h  \\as  made  of  cheque,  barley,  onions,  red  peppers  (rather  m 

>:ied;,    potatoes,    and   a    few    her;  I   1  and 


more  produced  our  stock  of  coffee  and  sugar,  ar 
t  of  the  courier  by  giving   him  a  strong  concoction,  in  \ 

i  for  supremacy.      It  was  as  nectar  to  him  and  tl 
-o  one  found  any  fault. 
"  I   left  the    Ranche  Vallecito  last  night,"   Pedro  said,  in  an 

-tion  of  our  ho>t.     "  There  were  no  signs  of  Indians  at  the  time  in  that 
vicinity,  and  I  saw  no  one  on  the  trail.     I    think  the  bind  you  k:.. 
out  of  tin  ir  usual  course,  and  that  nothing  more  will  be  seen  of  thr 

':   San  Diego,  unless   they  strike    F  ranchc,  a-. 

\ill  hurry  the  captured  cattle  towards  the  canyons  of  t 

escape  all   pursuit,  even  if  our  people  were  prepared  to 
.ich   1   don't  think  they  will   be.     The  Mexican  is    brave,  but  he 
,  not  the    yell  of  wild   Indians,"  and   I  did   not  blame  him  if  all 

.^creamed  like  those  we  had  encountered  in  the  morni 
The  courier  then  gave  us  some    valuable   information   cone- 

it  streams    we   would  have  to  ford,  and  canyo- 

mer  -pecially   the    Seco    Canyon   as    being  and 

ind  rugged  mountains  on  either  side,  ar.d  a  little  stream 

of  el  r  meandering  down   the  course,  and   emptying  into 

Pacific  Ocean,  at  some  distant  point.     In  fact,  we  found  the  journe 

;>cfore  us  was  more  difficult  than  we  had  contemplated,  but  we  were  de- 

iTminc,!  not  to  ^Ive  up  the  undertaking,  but  to  push  on,  and  hope  for  suc- 

inted  that  we  should  like  to  wait  at  some  point  on  the  way  until  the 
>r  made   his  return   journey,  but    Pedro   did  not  seem  to  favor  the 
plan. 

"  in  the  first  place,"  he  said,  "  I  do  not  know  when  I  shall 

It  will  depend  upon  the  alralda  of   Sin  !);  —  .>.      lie  may  desire  t! 
r  important  information,  and  when  I  do  start  I  -  •   neither 

i  nor  myself.     You  could  not  keep  up  witli  me  for  t 

ic.     Bettei  :'one,  and 

:  aii  as  well  as  . 


Lewey  and  I. 


and  inquire  your  way,  and  may  the  saints  have  you  in  their  keeping,"  and 
then  the  courier,  with  his  great  appetite  satisfied,  threw  himself  upon  the 
ground,  under  the  shadow  of  the  adob ;  house,  and  in  an  instant  was  fast 
asleep,  resting  himself  for  the  work  before  him  that  afternoon  and  evening, 
on  his  lonely  ride  to  San  Diego,  the  trail  of  which  he  was  not  certain  was 
clear  of  Indi.i. 

Our  Mexican  host,  seeing  no  more  sig...«  of  Apaches,  skinned   the  dead 
mountain  lion,  and  then  sent  out  his  daughter  on  a  spare  horse  to  drr. 
the  bay  broncho  which  he  had  promised  to  present  Lewev.     'I 
accepted  the  mission  as  one  of  no  particular  danger  or   importance.     She 
sprang  into  the  saddle  as  light  as  a  cat,  and  did  not  assume  the  position  that 
ladies  usually  do,  for  her  feet  were  thrust  in  the  stirrups  on  cither  side  of 
the  animal.     In  fact,  she  rode  like  a  man,  and  did  not  think   it  unbecoming 
to  her  modesty  to  do  so,  as  she  had  never  been  taught  that  her  style  was  un 
womanly.     She  was  right,  for  a  side  saddle  would  have  been  out  of  place  in 
that  wilderness. 

Florcncia  sat  her  horse  as  gracefully  and  c-isy  as  a  trained  caballcro,  and, 
as  she  struck  the  animal  on  the  flank  with  the  end  of  a  reata,  coiled  up  on 
the  pommel  of  her  saddle,  and  darted  out  of  the  courtyard,  Lewey  could  not 
help  expressing  his  admiration  in  warm  words  of  praise,  for  he  turned  to 
mi-,  and  said,  — 

i  is  de  most  booful  sight  dut  I  have  seed  for  many  a  day.  Ah,  mon 
ami,  she  is  grand  on  de  foot,  but  in  de  saddle  she  is  von  bonne  fiilc,  and  I 
adore  her." 

!«is  your  love  for  Kngrncia  vanished  so  soon  ?  "  I  ask 

."  was  the  hesitating  reply ;  "  but  den  dis  girl  is  somehow  so  differ 
ent,  and  a  real  Frenchman  can  love  many  times,  and  many  dings,  and  be 
none  de  vusser  for  it." 

"  Remember  your  promise,"  I  said.  "  That  courier  IV  ;n>  loves  the  girl, 
and  would  cut  you  into  mince-meat  if  he  thought  you  had  the  slightest 

>n  for  the  senorita.     A   Mexican's  jealousy  is  onlv  equaled  by  the  in- 

his  love.     A  sharp-pointed  knife  has  put   many  a  rival  under  the 

out  of  the  way.     15c  warned  in  time,  my  friend,  and  k-vf>  your  feel- 

-self." 

loves  him  not,"  was  the  answer,  with   a 
told  iv!  likes  me,  and  I  believes  her. ' 

'-  •  !e  the  confession  the  night  1.  n  I  interrupted 

tli.it  love  sometimes  makes   quick   work   with  young 
and  susceptible  hearts. 


Lcuvy  and  L  '? 

In  an  r  h  lhe  Promise 

,.  so  handsome,  I  thought. 

drov'.  !  ihen  secured  the  ni 

mustang  which  she  had  ridden,  to  UK-  &he 

had  brought  in. 

'  asked  her  father,  for  we  had  gathered  around 

to  see  the  new-coir 

laid. 

.ruly  movements.     I    xxill   tame   him 
;  then  tomorrow  he  will  carry  the  victor  axvay  from  us  like 

shall  never  see  either  again." 

•  that  the  girl  meant  more  than    her  lather  co  ed, 

I  le  no  reply,  but  allowed   his  r    to  carry  out  her 

-e  she  put  on  t  '   and   heavy  saddle,  thrust  the  cruel 

curb    into  his  mouth,  even  if  the   broncho  did  resist,  adjusted  the 

il    as  if  purs  i 

md,  as  her  graceful  form  with   every  motion  o 

. 

•  shoes  or  stool: 

-rous  view  of  little  ankles,  and  wellf-v 
could  not  hel;.<  >  this  child  of  nature,  who  knew  1 

tiie   refinements  of   civilized 

Lcwey  muttered,  and  I 

letaincd  another  r. 
•a  ranchc.  1  for  my  friend       1  the  girl,  and  that  Lewey's  ad« 

vould  overpo.verhis  reason. 

Fiorencia  returned  after  horse  covered  with  foam,  but 

>  obey  the  slightest  wish  of  his  rider.     Tlv 

.irtic-ihr  'at   she  had  done, 

and  ste-:  -npliment*.     She  had  been  accustomed  to 

cattle  <•*  from  the  time  of  her  birth,  and  for  many  years  had  helpec 

i  stock,  when  it  was  necessi  r  the  sake 

of  b: 

The  Rirl   reported  that  she  had   met  with  no  si^ns  of  ' 

e  undistnibed.  so  we  at: 

•rrert.  and   that  the   Apache 
ut  a  portion  of  the  band,  and  had  wandered  our  WP 


Lewey  and  /. 


r*. 


the  ^curing  new  fields  for   plunder,  and  had    met    with  a   in 

time  it  was  four  o'clock,  and  Pedro   was  awake,  and   ready  to 

Kime   his  journey.     He   saddled   the  horse  I  had  traded  with  him,  and  did 

J   Hunk  that  1  had  cheated  the  government  official  very  badly, 

lame  conclusion  as  soon  as  Pedro  mounted  the  mustan- 

rnaJ  appeared  to  be  a  different  beast  when  the  skillful  mquera 

s  iii  tlie  saddle,  as  he  knew  how  to  manage   him   much    brtter  than   m  - 

it  did  not  spare  the  spurs,  or  the   heavy  curb,  and,  when   he  . 
his  s-.mbrero  to   Fiorencia,  and  waved  his  hand  to  us,  and  said,  ••  ,\ 
senurs,"  dashed  away  at  a  rate  of  speed   that    I   thought  impossible  in  the' 
broncho,  and  I  imagined  my  new  acquisition  would  have  had  some  trouble 
in  keeping  in  line. 

Fiorencia  had  given  Pedro  a  little  smile  in  return  for  his  salutation.     It 
l  not  much,  but  the  best  the  poor  fellow  could  obtain,  and  I   won,: 
as  I  saw  him  press  his  steed  up  the  steep  trail,  and  then  glance  back  to  the 
house  for  a  final  salutation,  if  he  felt  encouraged  by  what  he  had  received. 
'1  he  n-j.xt  moment  he  was  on  the  other  side  of  the  miniature  mountain,  and 
that  was  the  last  we  saw  of  him  for  some  days,  and  then  he  made  hi*  ap. 
at  a   most  important  moment,  as  far  as  our  destinies  were  con 
cerned,  and  the  good  he  rendered  us  was  not  forgotten. 

The  afternoon  and    evening  wore  away  in  a  listless  manner.     Lewey  kept 
at  a  distance  from    Fiorencia,  and  she  rather  avoided  him,  I  thought, 

nothing  to  worry  about,  and,  when   the   time    arrived   for  us   to  retire, 

:^an  advised  us  to  have  our  rifles  handy  for  immediate  use,  as  lie 

did  not  know  but  a  marauding  party  of  Indians  might  visit  us.     Me  k  -pt  no 

•  r,  as  he  said    that   his  dog  would  give  us  all  the  i 
needed,  in  case  there  were  prowlers    near,  as  he  could  scent  the 
for  a  long  distance. 

To  prevent  Jack  from  getting  into  trouble  with  prowling  coyotes,  . 
venturous  Indians,  we  tied  him  in  the  out-building,  close  to  where  we  slept, 
and,  after  a  smoke  by  the  fire,  turned  in,  and  slept  all  night,  and    I  do  not 
k  that  Lewpy  moved,  or  even   rolled  over,  until   d.nlight,  thus  showing 
1  his  word,  and  was  honest  in  what  he  said  when  we  returned 
to  the  house  after  the  fight  with  the  Indians. 

d  and  watered  our  horses,  and  they  seemed  in  pcK.-rt  order  for  the 
.nd  then  the  wife  had  our  breakfast  all  ready,  and,  just  about  an 
hour  after  sunrise,  we  prepare.!  to  depart.     This  time  Florenc  •. 
appear  from  the  house.     She  sat  in  the  doorway,  and  watched  our  proceed- 


Lcw:v  and  I. 

,ngs  with  ^ok.  and  not  a  word  did  she 

were  i 

..eze,  and 

.  .;ty. 

-I  hop 

gome  day  not  far  ili*: 

.  and  let  Lewey  take  my  place.     He  spoke  in  a 
j  coul  .  even  if  I   had  cared  to  listen,  b; 

therc.  in  in   Florenc  -ie  arose. 

law  ot  her  : 
tfa  th«  M.xuanand  his  uiic,  m 

:he  saint*  to  ; 
I  to  come  a-ain  when  we  do 

.ikinjra  word,  we  c.imc  to  the  set;. 
,-fore.     The  bones  of  dead  the  horse  * 
..:id   buzzards,  while   in    tt 

numbers  of  the   bird   scavei 

;  fc.ist,  and  striving  »'ith   the  I  ''  share 

uf  tlcsh  and  b<  *  "Ot  mo 

lcff  anr|  -  1   in  the  tall  rushes,  and  reti:: 

re  thought  NN! 
,st  us. 

;  the  forenoon,  and  abo', ;• 
•  came  from  the   mount 
ted   with 

.it  we  cou: 

>  snoxv  w 

i   the  little  brook,  t 
•     . 

the  couri< 
. 

•_-d  by  the 

1    our  hoi  removing   the   S.K' 

.e  s'ream. 

trout  in  the  rv 

•v»r,  ha 

;Jound  tru  mpelled  \- 


Leivey  and  I. 


^  I  had  neglected  to  cut  a  pole,  and  could  not  play  the  j>ri/e  as  I 
should  iike  to  have  done. 

h  up  after  it   was   landed,  and  uttered  a  --          | 
inch  friend  gave  one  look,  and  ran  toward  me. 

k  Dat  is  good,  by  gar,"  he  said.     "  Let  me  de  next  one  catch,  and  , 
30  muc:  !  to  you  vill  be.     I  knows  how  de  fish  to  tal. 

thin-  all  Frenchmen   think  they  are  great  sportsmen  and 
ishernu-n.  and  my  friend  was  no  exception  to  the  general   rule.     I    readily 

the  use  of  the  line,  for  he  would  have  humored  me  under 
1  .r  cftcui  ;-  ' 

I   vill  you  show,"  he  said,  and  threw  the  hook  into  the  water. 
There  was   another  rush  a  bigger  trout,  an  anxious  boy,  a  struggle,  and 
tik    went  Lewey,  for,  in  his  eagerness,  he  had  i. 

tumbled  in  the  stream. 
I  on  to  the  fish,  Lewey,"  I  shouted,  as  soon  as  I  could  do 

it    I    did  not  speak  for  a  moment.      Really   it 
see  the   French   boy  blowing  the  mud  and  water  from 
Coring  not  the   choicest  of  Spanish  and   English  exprc: 

Did  of  the  line,  and  the  trout  at  the  same  time. 
As   the  brook   was  but  little  more  than  four  feet  deep,  not  much  <!. 

to  the  boy's  clothes,  and,  when  he  had  frightened  th, 

out  of  the  :ls\  or  drowned  it  by  his  pulling  and  hauling  on  the  line,  we  laid 
the  prize  on  the  bank  of  the  stream,  and  then  Lewey  uttered  a  mighty  shout 
of  triu  iv! 

ebbcr  seed  such  fishin'  as  d -it  ?  "  he    asked,  as  soon  as  his 

my  answer.     "  Do  you  usually  fish  that  way  in  Fram 

ve  gets  a  big  von  on  de  hook  ve  goes  overboard  arter 
Aim,"  which    I   have  good  reason   to  believe  was  a  he,  but,  as  I  had  r.. 

•nchman  fish  before,  I  was  compelled  to  accept  his  statement  as 
a  fact  at  the  time. 

trout  we  needed  for  our  dinner.     We  could   have  caught 
hundreds   in   the  same  rapid   manner,  but  did   not   desire  to  des' 

h  we  could  not  consume,  thus   proving   that  we   were   not  genuine 
sportsmen,  but  the  veriesi  amateurs. 

vey  stripped  off  some  portions  of  his  clothing,  and  dried  them  in  the 

n   sun  and  gentle  breeze,  while   I  dressed  the  fish,  wrapped  them  in 

leaves,  and  laid  them  among  the  hot  ashes  and  coals,  and  when  they  were 

done  we  had  a  feast  that  epicures  mig!  avicd.  so  (  the 


of  the  trout.  ating  all   that  ue 

could  not  dispose  of,  and  looked  a  litilc  disappointed  nes 

were  picked  clean,  to  think  that  there  was  no  m<  :on. 

.1  remained  under  i 
.'clock,  taking  a  little  siesta  in  the  meantime,  t!  i  our  rested 

i-.d   resumed  our  journey,  crossing  a  ford  where   t 
•nore  than  a  foot  deep,  an  embankment  thrown  up  by  sonic  great  t" 
of  the  rainy  season. 

we    galloped   along    the  trail,    looking  sharply   to   the    rip-lit    and 
•or  signs  of  Indians  or  wild  beasts,  we  a -ain  admired  the  aciion  of  our 
steeds,  as  they  moved  alons  like  perfect  machinery.     The  only  trouble 
their  desire  to  go  faster  than  we  wished.     They  ha-1  been  accustorar 
bein^  ridden   by  men   who   spared  neither  spurs  nor  h  hen  in  a 

hurry,  and  we  had  to  c«>  -t  our  caballos  to  restrain  thtir  impatience, 

and  keep  t!  0  to  ten  miles  an  hour,  instead  of  fatten  <>r  more. 

They  understood  our  wishes  at  last. 

d  his  nose  an   inch  in  advance  the  other  was  not  happy  until  he 

:icy. 

ricent  country  we  passed  through  that  afternoon,  as  all  the 
,  good  for  raising  cattle,  the  grass  being  rank  and  plentiful,  with 
1  there  a  spring  or  a  water-course.  I  suppose  that  the  whole  of 

>  of  bull 

k -id  orchards  all  along  the  route  we  crossed.     Once  in  a  while 
••ic  to  a  sterile  district,  where  the  s  and  har .. 

shn:  ;>e  seen  foi  miles,  and  c  J  occasions  we  saw  grea 

t  s  in  our  path,  too  indolent  t«»  :  of  the  \v. 

strike  if  ' 

•me  little  trouble  with  Jack,  as  the  dog  wanted  to  go  in  : 

'  scented,  and  a  rattlesnake  he  thought   • 
i  l>e  well  shaken,  and  then  devoured.     I 
iC  gentle  blows  with  the  end  of  a  r 
then  he  gave  snakes  a 
.  *   of  our  i-cels,  so  \  make  no 

Once  the  mustangs  shied  out  of  t 
-eled  in  our  saddles.     If  the  . 
'.ii^h  in  front  an.l  r •• 

tiling  to  the  ground,  and  near  a  rattlesn  i. 

oo  a  strip  of  hot  saod.    The  fright  i^4de   Lewcy  so  kcd 


160  Lewey  and  /. 


•  rse,  and  swore  that  he  would  kill  the  reptiles.     As  his 

•ip'.ish  the  job. 

',  armed   with   a  lot  of  stones,  u 
iit-n  vented  his 

i€  la'.U  were  waved  in  defiance,  but  Lcwev  : 
at  the   vermin,  and    first  one   li.  we  red,  and   t!: 

other,  and  a  club  soon  boat  the  life  out  of  their  il! 

•uliar  odor  when  excited  that  was  powerful  and  ; 
;-,"  said   Lewey,  as  he  returned  from  the   attack,    "  dey  v 
any  more  nun  in  dis  vorld,  and  for  de  vorld  to  come  peoples  mu.-. 

es,  for  I   can't    look  out  for   eberybody,''   and   that  re:. - 

.!   restore    him  to  a  good-hum  >r,   for  lie 
!  all  the  rest  of  the  afternoon,  and  did   not  even  allude  to  Fl<" 
so    I   honed   the   ma^ic   01"  love  was  disappearing  from  his  mind,  and  that, 
\\ith   hl>  u^u.d   consistency,  he  was  forgetting  her.     (  .d  said,  in  a 

musing  sort  of  tone,  — 

i  think  Engracia  and  Anita  are  doing  at  the  present  time?" 
and  he  answered,  — 

,  I  s'nose,  if  dey  has  nothin1  else  to  do,"  and  then  I 

knew  that  his  L>ve  for  the  woman  he  was  en^a^ed  to  was  w.uvii'i^.  ?.s  men 
do  not  like   to  think   that   the   girls  they  admire  have  ocr  .  .t  anv- 

'.lintiest  of  food,  expecting   them  to  turn  with  disgu-: 
.nd  nutricious  bean. 

more,  but  thought  of  the  boy's  protestations  a:,  | 

how  he  had  led  me  along,  and  finally  prevailed  upon  me   to   leave   the   ship, 
so  thai  be  married  to  the  young  ladies   of   our  ch<  I  woa> 

dered  if  be  would  jilt  Engracia  when  the  proper  time  arrivr 
j'sor  no.      I  was  firm  in  my  determination  to  n^Ke  a  wife   of   Anita, 
van  ted  Lewey  to  wed  as  well  as  myself,  for  the  sake  of  company.     I  ' 

1,1  do  so,  and   supposed  that  he  ultimately  might  consent,   if     . 
countered  no  more  pretty  faces  on  our  route. 

fter  five  o'clock   we   cr  nail    mountain,  and  at  the  top 

I  there  spr  c  us  were 

•  and  out -buildings,  with  a  cor 
ral  in  v.hirh  we:  case  the  owners  de- 
them    for    a                                                -  ver   tlicir    vast  pos- 
ms. 

the  in* 
.>f  the  house.     We.  ..  hasty  retreat  into  the 


building,  while  three  vaqueros  made  their  appearance  with  huge  escope 
\nd  watched  with  interest  for  the  first  hostile  demonstration  that  we  I 
disposed  to  make. 

Three  or  four  dogs  bounded   toward  us,  and  Jack  was  ail  ready  to  make 
friends,  or  be  enemies,  as  they  should  elect,  but  the   Mexicans  called   the 
luck,  and  so  we  were  enabled  to  approach  the  hou-  col- 

\e  feared  would  be  the  case. 

usted  ? "  one  of  the  vaqueros  shouted,  and  brought  his 
CdCopeta  so  that  it  would  cover  us. 

44  Comida  y  dormir,"  we  answered,  meaning   that  we   desired 
rest. 

;cd  amigos?"  was  asked,  a  little   more  pleasantly,  and  the  musket 
lowered* 

scnor,  todas  amigos,"  was  our  prompt  answer,  intimating  that  we 
were  friends. 

me  along  then,"  the  Mexicans  said,  and,  as  we  advanced,  they  saw  that 
ive  were  not  Indians  in  dis^uisr,  so  the  guns  were  put  aside,  and  we 
were  welcomed  with  looks  of  surprise,  and  words  of  deep  courtesy  from  the 

:nen. 

This  was  the  Ranche  Vallecito  we  had  heard  the  courier  speak  of,  and 
\v  his  horse  at  once,  for,  as  I  dismounted,  one  of  the  vaque- 
•ked  at  the  brand  on  my  steed's  flanks,  and  said. — 
•4  \Ve  have  seen  that   mustang  before.     It  is  the  courier  Pedro's  horse. 
He  was  here  yestei 

The    Mexicans  glanced  a  little  suspiciously  at  me,  as  the  words  were 
spoken,  but  I  answered  carelessly,  — 

s  now  at  San  Diego.  We  exchanged  bronchos  yesterday 
afternoon  at  Tobias's  ranch e.  I  gave  my  mustang  and  an  eight-real  piece 
for  this  aninvl,  and  made  a  good  trade." 

Then  all  three  men  laughed  in  unison,  and  one  of  them  said, — 

>  smart.     When  he  makes  an  exchange  he  always  gets  the  best 
.     We  have  a  hundred  horses  that  we  will  sell  you  for    eight 
.  and  .i-k  no  caballo  in  addition." 

. -iswcrcd,  with  a  laugh,  to  show  that  I  was  not  offended, 
'•  this  animal  pleases  me,  and  I  want  no  other." 

urgent  ap- 
this  time 

DUO  :e,  offered  to  aid  Q 

by  his  resolute  demeanor,  had  inspired  the  greasers'  dogs  with  a  wholcsomt 


Lewey  and  I. 


ect.  so  they  did  not  molest  him,  but  kept  at  a  distance,  and  looked  the 
the  astonishment  which  they  felt  at  seeing  a  stranger  in  their  r 

:<iledour  saddles,  blankets,  and  equipments  in  an  out-huil.lir 
that  at  the  list  ranche,  and  then  turned  the  horses  into  the  COIT. 
they   would   not  escape   during   the   night,   unless   the  gate   was    tl  • 
open. 

"  What  is  the  news  from  Tobias's  ranche  ?  "  the  father  of  the  family 
asked,  as  we  returned  from  the  corral,  having  rubbed  the  perspiration  ; 
the  horses'  backs,  much  to  the  amusement  of  the  Mexican  muchacho,  who 
had  never  seen  such  pains  taken  with  animals  in  all  his  life. 

'•  We  had  an  exciting  brush   with  the  wild  Indians  yesterday  morning, 
just  before  Pedro  arrived,"  I  answered,  quite  indifferently,  as  though  k 
something  that  I  had  been  accustomed  to  all  my  life. 

"  Gracias  Dios,  you  don't  mean  to  tell  me  that  the  Apaches  arc  on  a 
raid  ?  "  asked  the  aged  Mexican. 

"  Yes;  there  were  four  came  near  the  house,  and  tried  to  capture  Senor. 
ita  Florencia." 

"The  saints  have  us  in  their  keeping,  but  they  did  not  succeed,  I  hope," 
cried  the  two  sons,  thus  showing  that  the  girl's  charms  were  known  even  in 
that  part  of  the  country,  and  had  produced  their  usual  effect  on  the  young 
men. 

"No,  we  beat  them  off,  and  saved  the  girl,"  I  said,  in  a  complacent 
manner. 

"And  killed  three  of  the  savages,  while  Senor  Tobias  blew  off  the  head 
of  another,"  the  impulsive  Lewey  exclaimed. 

"  Glory  to  God  the  highest,"  the  old  Mexican  cried.  "  Four  Apachts 
slain  by  your  hands.  My  house  and  all  that  it  contains  are  at  your 
service.'" 

He  called  to  his  women  folks,  —  the  wife  and  daughter,  — and  bade  them 

prepare  a  feast  that  would  reflect  honor  on  the  establishment.     The  girl 

not  remarkable  for  her  beauty,  so  Lewey  did  not  make  love  to  her,  as 

he  would  have  done  under  other  circumstances.     The  mother  was  dark, 

ind  wrinkled,  with  hands  that  were  none  too  clean,  but  she 

made  us  welcome,  and  called  us  heroes,  because   we  had  saved  the  life  and 

•  of  a  girl,  as  though  we  deserved  credit  for  such  a  just  deed. 
The    Mexicans  were  veryp::i  '  ''at   we  should  give  them  a  minute 

>:mt  of  the  fight  and  death  of  the  wild  Indians,  and  felt  a  little  fearful 
the  Apaches  might  make  a  raid  in  their  direction.     So  much  impor 
tance  did  the  father  attach  to  our^ramunication  that  he  compelled  tha 


Lcwev    •'  '  /". 


youngest  of  his  chii  ct  musti: 

sevci  -'.>ns,  to  see  if  t  the 

•ictl  at  dark,  and  said  t!  I 

ok  was  considered  safe  for  t!. 

L-S  to  a  nu  d  led  our  horses,  ate  our 

•      t  along  journey  i.  .  .         . 

•n  of  cigarettes,  an  retired  to 

out-building,    spread    our  llur.keis  fur  a  bed,  and  prepared  to  sleep, 
and  ju.-t  :hen  I  '-.-scendcd  in  torrents,  and  \vc   felt   thankful  that  \vo 

were  under  shelter  for  the  night. 

The  fleas  were  as  voracious  as  usual,  and  full  as  numerous,  but  their 
feeding  did  not  disturb  '.hen  we  awoke  at  daybreak,  the  storm  had 

:1,1  thcr-i  -  of  a  pleasant  day.     The  air 

i  with  the  perfumi    of  flowers  and  herbs.     The  quails  called  to  each 
other  from  the  chappar  ild  pigeons  passed  over  the  fields  in  count- 

less  .  -intain  we  h.id  descended  the  night  before 

stood  a  herd  of  deer,  watching  the  movements  of  life  at  the  house,  and 

;ig  for  our  presence  they  appear.     The  leader  of  the 

large   buck,  with   monstrous  antlers.     I   was    more  than  half 

Ive  iu:n   a  shot,  and   secure   them  as  a  prize,  but,  when   I  re- 

:ould  not  carry  them  \vi;h  me,  I  gave  up  the  idea,  and  let  the 

graceful  animal  live,  and  depart  in  peace. 

We  piquetted  our  horses  where  the  grass  was  fresh  and  sweet,  and  let 
them  feed  while   we  washed,  and  smoothed  our    hair,  a   proceeding  that 
rd  a  quiet  smile  to  pass  over  the  faces  of  our 

eakness  of  mir  d  on  our  part,  but  it  had   i: 
•  vxl  watching  our  mustangs  feed,  and   quite  ready  for  the  1  • 
fast  that  was   <  .-on  the  fire,  the  father  drew  near,  and   suddenly 

'.,- 

it  country  do  you  belong,  senor  ?     You  do  not  speak  S 
welle-  and  your  skin  is  white.  :  ke  mine." 

I  remembered  in  time  not  to  declare  my  nationality,  and  red,— 

nch.     M  ion  and  I  are  brothers,  and  we  are  tr.-. 

amtry  just  to  see  wh.it  it  is  like.     We  are  bound  for  Los 
geles,  an  of  protection  from  Gen-.  \V    .:  !  >  >a  like 

to  see  tin 

is  the  short  answer.     "  They  would  be  of  no  use  to  n 
read  or  write,  neither  can  my  it  are  you  a  good  Cathol 

«'A  ,.  i,  not  thinking  o( 


164  Lewey  and  /. 


words,  onlv  knowing  that   Protestant*  \vcre  not    loved  or  respected  by  the 
foig( 

"  It  is  g-uxi,"  he  said,  with  a  smile,  as  I  thought,  of  relief.  "  Now  I  hav« 
a  proposition  to  make  you.  Look  around,  and  see  land  ami  cattle  on  either 
hand.  Ali  are  mine.  Is  there  a  more  lovely  place  than  this?  " 

I    was   forced    to  admit  that   the    region  \\as  a  paradise,  under  that  cool, 

spring  breeze,  with  the  sun  just  rising  from  the  mountain',  and  tinging  with 

'iu>  the  distant  hilltops,  and  the  Sierras,  covered  with  snow,  \vhil« 

.tir  was  tilled  with  humming  bees,  seeking   in    the  numerous   flowers  an 

cnrly  harvest  of  honey.      It  is  a  little  singular,  but   I   have  recently  been  in, 

i.it  this  region,  at  the  present  day,  produces  more  honey,  thrc 
domestic  attention  and  protection,  than   all   the  other  parts  of  the  State 
combined. 

i  like  the  place?  "  asked  the  Mexican,  waiting  until    I   had   taken  in 
all  the  surroundings  before  he  spoke. 

'•  Yes.     Who  can  help  admiring  nature  in  her  solitude  and  grandeur  ? ''   I 

red,  willing  to  please  the  Mexican,  and  make  myself  agreeable. 
"  ii  is  w;Il,"  the  man  said.     "  You    c.m  remain  here  all  yuur  days  if  you 
If  you  desire  to  ride,  there  ar~  hundreds  of  horses  at  your  disposal. 
If  you  love  hunting,  the  mountains  and  plains  abound  with  deer,  and  game 
ot  all  kinds.     If  you   prefer  work,  cattle  are  to  be  rounded  in  once  a  \ 
and  branded,   or  barley  to  sow,  and   be  gathered.     In  many  ways  you  can 
make  yourself  useful." 

What  did  the  Mexican  mean  by  his  broad   hint?     Was  he  disp< 

me  a   prisoner  in   that  wilderness,  where  a  traveler  or  stranger  was 
rarely  seen,  and  the  only  recreation    was  such   as  he  ha-;  described  ?     X«> 
r  papers   were  in    the  house,  and  when  the  people  were  tired  they 
wen;  to  sleep,  and  when  hungry  ate  their  coarse  fare,  and  thanked  the  s.i 

. 

;y  do  you    thus  tempt  me?"   I    asked,    resolved    to    learn    all    his 
'.ts  by  a  direct  question. 

i  moment  the  Mexican  hesitated,  and  *hen  said,  speaking  very  slowly 
and  ciistip.cilv,  — 

U  noticed  my  daughter  did  you  not  ?     I   saw  you  look  at  her  with  ad 
miration  in  your  eyes,  or  I  am  mist. 

;an   to  feel   warm  and  uncomfortable,  for  I  feared   the  conversatioa 

„'  a  serious  turn,  and  on  to  myself. 

•  .'3,  senor,  I  admired  the  ladv-     She  is  muv  herm  ,  swered. 

"  She  is  beautiful,"  the  host  repeated,  with  all  of  a  parent's  j  \ 


Li :  /. 

•.ley  arc 

.•ul  will  in 
red  under  the 

t.     The 

•  ntempluous  gesture,   \\oiild   be    the 
this  world.     A  >harp  ki.il-.  and  n  rca<  my 

:  the  senorila  failed  I 

.•i  mean  to  tell  me  that  your  daughter  is  willnrj.  "    1 

;  :  from  my  daze,  and  B  -ily. 

ited  to  me  and  her  mother  that  such  is  the 
i  '11  send  to  Sa:i  M.iteo  for  a  priest,  and   i  I   the 

knot  ran  be  t;. 

I   unexpected  happiness,  but    I    had  to  keep  im  :,  and 

:or  there  was  no  chance  to  fool  away  time   .  with  the 

•easer  at  my  side. 

||   my   m  I  iid.  on  the  spur   of  the  mom  "  Why 

of    such    happiness    before    I   pledged    my  word  to  an- 

i    are   tlu  1    to   some    woman?''    he    asked,    a    little    dis 

appointed. 

e  is  nu-.  but  I  am.     How  could  I  think  that  such  a  beautiful  senori- 

\vould  lift  her  t-ycs  to  m  man  ?'' 

n  read  and  write  ?" 

She  is 
.-.  no  education.     Take  her,  an  1  the  saints 

•'  How  gladly  would  I  do  so.  if  I  could  only  \^  free  of  the  girl  who  is  ex- 
!    seeks  to  be  my  wife." 

.  in  a  sullen  tone. 

'  ^'°uM 

you  ^hter's  h  her,  and 

|hen  rient  ? 

"Mv  knife    would  rind   a   place   b  'i'-   -:.id  enjoyed 

;.im    ri^lit.  '.  in  aj>parent    tr.ink  8  fa- 

ther  of  the  pir!   1  me  In  th* 

manrtr.     They,  like  you,  arc    Mexican  caballeros.  and  ready  to  rt- 


Lewey  and  /. 


venge  an  insult  to  their  relative  with  death.  Let  the  matter  rest  just  as  it 
is  for  the  present.  I  am  a  man  of  honor,  like  yourself.  I  will  seek  mv  be 
trothed,  and  tell  her  all.  Perhaps  she  is  already  married.  I  hope  that  she 
is.  I  have  not  seen  or  heard  from  her  for  months.  If  she  is  untrue,  or 
gives  me  back  my  freedom,  I  shall  hasten  to  your  ranche,  and  then  proudly 
demand  the  hand  of  your  beautiful  and  innocent  daughter." 

This  was  not  exactly  true,  but  I  was  not  going  to  infuriate  a  man  when 
he  had  the  power  to  do  me  a  serious  injury,  and  perhaps  take  my  life,  as 
readily  as  he  would  have  slaughtered  one  of  his  lively  bullocks. 

I  could  see  that  the  greaser  did  not  like  the  idea  of  relinquishing  his  hold 
on  me.  He  knew  when  he  had  come  across  a  prize  for  his  daughter,  even 
if  other  people  did  not,  and  the  I  i  girl  of  most  excellent  taste  and 

judgment,  as  I  admitted  at  the  time,  and  have  always  thought  that  she  was 
inspired  when  she  selected  me  for  a  husband.  She'must  have  been  a  won- 
derful  character  reader,  for  one  so  young  and  unaccustomed  to  the  world, 
and  when  she  did  obtain  a  partner,  how  striking  the  contrast  must  have 
been  in  her  eyes,  and  how  bitterly  she  probably  regretted  that  she  had  not 
married  her  first  love.  I  have  often  spoken  of  the  unexpected  proposal 
that  I  received  at  the  Ranche  Vallecito,  and  what  an  honor  it  was  for  one 
so  young  an;l  tender,  and  sometimes  regrets  have  been  expressed  by  those 
who  should  take  an  interest  in  my  fate  that  I  did  not  yield  to  such  solicita 
tions,  marry,  and  settle  in  the  wilderness,  where  my  genius  could  have 
found  full  scope  in  fighting  fleas,  Apaches,  and  a  very  dark  and  wrinkled 
mother-in-law,  with  hands  none  too  clean  for  mixing  tortillas,  and  other 
fancy  dishes. 

For  a  few  minutes  the  Mexican  father,  who  was  so  anxious  for  an  advan 
tageous  match  fur  his  daughter,  and  saw  the  prize  slipping  from  his  fingers, 
remained  silent,  watching  the  bees  and  the  herd  of  deer,  revolving  in  his 
mind  what  course  to  pursue  to  make  two  young  hearts  happy. 

"  Let  us  understand  each  other,"  he  said.  "  If  you  find  the  senorita  you 
arc  expected  to  marry  unfaithful,  or  can  get  out  of  the  engagement  with 
honor,  you  will  do  so,  and  return  here  ?  " 

"Can  you  doubt  it?  I  should  fly  as  fast  as  horse-flesh  could  carry  me," 
but  I  did  not  say  in  what  direction. 

"  That  is  enough.  I  will  tell  my  daughter  all,  so  that  she  will  not  think 
her  love  is  slighted.  You  do  not  mean  to  express  contempt  for  her 
wishes  '  "  and  the  host's  hand  rested  on  the  hilt  of  his  long  knife  in  a  care 
less  manner,  and  his  eyes  showed  some  of  the  fire  of  an  uotamed 
ranchero. 


Ltwey  and  /  167 


"The  saints  forgive  me,"  a-.  .s  free  you 

would  see  ho\v  quickly  I  should  welcome  :  and  be  proud  of  such  a 

•    .     : 
the  man  MIS  her." 

All  t  iking    I   k-.-.  t  my  eyes  on   that  long  knife,  for  I 

feared  its  sharp  point,  and  the  owner.     I  was  determined  to  get  out  of  a  bad 
:iie  best  \\  !e. 

"  I   h.ive  to  detain  you,"  my  host  sai  :1  eye, 

.d  defy  the  fa-nily  of  your  intended.     If   they  should  corr.e  here  for  the 
purpose  of  nuking  complaint,  we  could  ambush  the   \vhoic  ;  '  put 

them  out  of  the  way  with  but  little  trou 

I  almost  shuddered  at  the  free  expressions  of  my  would-be  father  in  law, 

ed  for  the  hour  when  I  could  mount  my  horse,  and  cs 
such  a  dangerous  local 

44  The  plan  that  I  have  laid  out  is  the  best,"  I  remarked.     "  Let  us  sepa 
rate  with  that  understan 

-no,"  the   Mexican  responded.     ••  shake  hands  on  it.' 

we  did,  then  and  there.     "  When  you  leave  today,  if  you  must  resume 
journey,  I  desire  you  to  salute  nv.  .r  with  a  kiss.     It  will  prove  to 

her  that  you  are  anxious,  for  more,     lie  careful  that  you  do  not  f. 

I    promised  compliance   with   hi*  'he  ta>k  was  not  one 

that  I   felt  anxioi:  -id^ome,  and  I 

not  seen  her  wash  her  hands  or  face  since  she  got  out  of   bt. 
promised,  and  meant  to  carry  out  the  programme,  and  so  escape  a  cut  or 
^m  that  lon^  knife. 

easer  talkin'  about  so  lo: 
the  Mexican  and  I  separated. 

44  He  desires  me  to  marry  his  daughter,"  I  answered  proudly. 
T      e  was  a  little  more  pride  than  there  was  any  occ..  \vas  the 

fir>t  proj>osal  that  I  had  ever  received  in  that  line,  and  young  men  arc 
to  be  vain  of  their  conquests. 

41  Docs  de  girl  vant  you  ?  "  asked  Lewey,  his  eyes  opened  to  their  widest 
In  astonishment. 

"So   I  hive  been  given  to  unders'a:. 
tone. 

de  g'rl  5s  bber  heard  of 

tich  foolishness  in  all  my  life.  Hope  you  said  i 

^,  I  did  plead  that  .nt  me 

from  accepting  the  offer. 


Lewey  and  I. 


>>t  did  de  L 

.  not  much.     He  tliuu^.t  that  he  ''••  ***n 

to  a  fi<  kle  hoy  as  a  husband  lor  his  child,  and  10  :^  into 

:it.      I  qui:  with  him." 

;s  von    He,  the    French    la.;.     "He   :->  no  sich  cri-.)^.  and  I 

don't  believe  lu  ax  you  to  marry  de 

i  will  see  wher  all  then    k'r.r,   '.he   girl  a 

good-by,  and  if  you  alter : 

•«  I  vould  not'kiss  ;  -  million  dollars.'''  \viih  a  -  d»s- 

•.  and  then  I  knew  thai  our  host's  dauj;h;er  ir.ust  be  very  jKuin  to  repulsa 
y  as  mv  French  fri-nd,  who  W  I  -'-  he 

•  !,  and  \\h  u  a  woma 

and,  aficr  it   w  is   i  ed  cur 

bora  ing  Mexican  w  a  helping  band,  and  exprei 

.   with  us,  and  see  thr-  world.     He  thought  that 

h  lu-  h  td 

•»  ;i',,out,  and    \<.t  ),;-.(.'   never   visited,  for  the  ranche  was    his 
home  from  ih-  :.'d  lie  sup;x/sod  he  should  have  to  remain 

there  un.il  his  -: 

iboul  t  .  Mount  my  hone,  I  ci-ulit  the  glare  of  the  Mexi 
can  He,  was  '  :  me  of  a  certain   contract  which  the 
hu^;                 iitnie  h.i'i  rpa«1e  me  forget  for  the  time.     Hut,  as  soon  as  1 
a  hand  ^o  to  th«:  i                      knife,  I  knew    what  he   meant.     Oil   went  my 

ver-d  I  a  .•oiuached  the  youn«,'  .^irl,  who  really  did  lo 
little  regretful  ;>arture. 

s.iid,  "in  a  few  weeks   I   hope   to  have  the  happiness  of 

Until  t;ien  will  you  allow  me  to  salute  you?" 
put  up  her  lips  just  as  though  she  had  been  instructed  what 
and    I   kissed  her  as  fervently  as  I  could  under  the  circumstances,  r.nd  that 
bad  Lewey,  who  forgot  his  bold  words,  sprang  forward,  and   offered  to   sa- 
the  girl  in  the  same  manner  that  I  had  done.     F>ut  she  drew  back,  and 
,:  the  boy  a  haughty  l->.,k  that  delighted  me.     I  desired  to  laugh,  but  did 
(!are  to  |n  nbuah  tamtties,  and 

put  them  out  of  the  world,  in  rase  it  suited  his  oonvcnience. 

Lewey  covered  his  it  by  asking  a  few  : it  our 

route  and  ftoppin-j  nd  ttiis  our  host  was  kind  en  ve. 

"Push  on,"  he  sa'd,  "and  you  will  reach  Sa:.  k  by  noon. 

After  this  late  rain  you  m  iy  have  to  camp  on  the  bank  of  th-  :'^r  a 

feu  even  a  day,  until  t!i».-  water  recedes,  and  the  ford  is  passfblf. 


and  I. 


If  the  creek  is  low  yo«: 

ranchc,  an,!  com;  •  .1   in 

their 

his  hand,  the  women  did  the  san.  ;  ot.t  a 

hearty  i  .  to   escape 

companionship  of  curs  of  lowdegrti.  free  rein    to  our 

mus-  :c  off,  following  the  trail  that  led  to  tin 

The  morn  iightful,  for  the  rain 

«ne  .-rs,  and   the   a" 

.1   around    us. 

J  up  all   along  the 
she,'  the  thick 

their  way   in 

Du  on    our  1-  ft  hand.  . 

•:ie  like  gold,  silver,  and  bronze.  .. 
adinjj  pin 

icnt, 

and  did  \  ,om  the  trail  in  pursuit  of  game  of  any  kind.     A  dozen 

•  it  of  thickets  by  the  noise  of  our  horses'  feet,  but  they 
only  jj.i/.ed  at   us  imazeme  ;    turn   and  H. 

if  tii'  ;i.i:i.  and  what  he  was  capable   of  it   is   probable  the 

buck  .ever  heard   the  crack  of  a  rirle  in  that  vast  solitude, 

.re  only  occisionally  hunted  by  Indians,  when  bullo 
not  convenient.     Once  a  black   bear  crossed  our  path,  and  sat  up  on 
looked  a  little  surprised  to  see  such  early  visitors,  gro \\ 

s   answer  p  baik  from  Jack,  and  then 

the  game  little  fello.v    looked  in  our  faces,  as  if  ho  wanted  perm 
make  an  atta-.k,  and   show  what  he    couid  do   whh    ai   animal   ten  times 

It  a  shake  of  the  head  was  enough  to  restrain  the  little  bulldog,  and  he 
.eel  one  of  his  eyes,  as  mu^  ling  you,  and 

had  nu  i'ltvn-.i-  j  near  that  mor,  :  it  is  to  \\ 

:e  a  little 

I  that  we   •  -ied 

down  to  '  ..  and  soon  we  were  some  distant: •• 

ous  neighbor,  and  when  and 

a  drink  uer. 


Lewey  and  T. 


"You   had  better  get  off,  and  va>h    vour  face,"  my  friend   remarked. 
"Datgrv: 

your  cheeks,  'cos  you  of  datfor  bo<  .     .  -\\  h« 

saw  that    I    was   ;iot    p-L.i.sod  with   t.  .his  sun:.  ..out. 

"Did  you  dink   .iat  I  vas  in  groat  earnest,  O  mon  ami?     Litile   much  care 
do  I  for  de  Jrls  vot  you  kiss.     Do  you  dink  dat  I  let  von  nice  bo; 
marry  a  filie  same  as  dat,"     J  take  her  mineself  fust,"  and   that  is 

c  wo-vi'.:  c.et  ma  ucvoted  friendship,  and  could  m.m  do  more  ? 

Ah  <  s«  me  cordial  relations  between  us  were  resumed,  and  there  was 
sunshine  on  Lewey 's  face  for  the  rest  of  the  day. 

stopped  at  what  is  now  called  Julian  City,  I  believe,  or  near  it,  and 
ate  our  lunch,  fed  our  hoises,  smoked  a  pipe  of  tobacco,  took  a  few  winks 
of  sleep,  and  resumed  our  journey,  but  not  always  at  a  gallon,  as  the  trail 
was  so  indistinct  that  at  times  we  had  some  trouble  in  keeping  it,  conse 
quently  \\e  were  late  when  we  reached  the  banks  of  a  small  stream,  which 
we  supposed  was  San  Felipe  Creek.  We  hunted  foi  a  place  to  ford,  but 
the  water  was  pouring  down  at  so  lively  a  rate  that  we  did  not  dare  to  ven 
ture,  fcr  i"ear  of  losing  our  horses  and  stores,  so  at  last  concluded  that 
we  would  have  to  remain  where  we  were,  and  camp  for  the  night. 

There  was  plenty  of  good  grass  and   wood  near   at  hand,  and  water  in 

abundance,  but  the  place  was  lonely,  and  we  did  not  feel  quite  at  our  ease, 

t  of  the  long  night  before  us.     But  we  could  not  go  on  until 

the  stream  ha.l  fallen,  and  we  expected  that  it  would  by  morning,  ns  the 

landmarks  showed  a  decrease  had  taken  place  in  the  course  of  the  * 

\Ve  looked  all  aro'.in  1  us,  toward  the  mountains,  and   in  the  direction  of 

the  ocean,  although  we  could  not  see  it,  but  the  position  of  the  sun  showed 

.t  to  be,  and  not  a  human  being,  except  ourselves,  was  in  sight. 

.Ve  even  failed  to  get  a  glimpse  of  smoke  from  some  distant  ranche,  and 

hen,  after  we  found  that  camping  was  inevitable,  removed  the  saddles 

from  our  horses'  backs,  piquetted  them  where  the  feed  was  good,  and,  while 

thus  eng.i^j  !,  I  saw,  near  a  clump  of  alder-bushes,  a  solitary  doe  looking 

at  us  with  great,  wondering  eyes. 

For  the  first  time  during  our  journey  we  needed  meat,  as  our  salt  junk 
;one,  so  there  was  no  reason  why  we  should  not  have  venison  for 
•upper,  if  we  could   <jet  it.     Lewey  held  Jack,  while   I  took  my  rifle,  and 
Stole  around  in  the  rear  of  the  doc,  and,  when  within  thii;  and 

had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  deer  bound  away  for  a  few  rods,  and  then 
drop,  badly  wounded.  Another  shot  put  an  end  to  its  suffering,  and 
when  I  cairied  my  prize  to  the  ca*np  wns  quite  proud  of  my  achievment 


Lewey  and  /. 


ressed  the  deer,  a:.  needed  for  supper, 

ind  lit  to  use  fo; 

i  of  a  roaring  fire  we  sojn 
offee  boiling  in  a  tin  pot,  and  our  pi] 
Jick  was  just  quivering   with  aiil'.cli-.uion  f<>r  ti: 
the  perfume  of  the  burning  tic  >.  /.eful   to  our  i 

we  had  no  doubt  but  our  dog  was  as  eager  for  a  meal 

s  is  not  so  bad,''  my  friend  ie  sun  disappeared, 

ness  gathered  around  us.     "  Ve  vill  much  eat,  and  d<  :n  come  all 

dc  quicker  vid  de  stomach  full.     A 
am  done,  and  —    Vot  de  devil  am  dat  ?  " 

I  did  not  wonder  that  the  French  boy  asked  the  qtu- 
a  sudden  yelp  of  rage,  and  made  a  dive  at  at.. 

Indian,  a  young  follow  not  more  tha  chief, 

—  that  we  could  icll  by  his  dress  and  ornanu-nt?.  —  as  he  stood  leaning  on 
a  long  lance,  near  our  fire,  and  looking  i  cold,  defiant  manner,  ex 

pressive  of  contempt,  we  thought.     We  had  met  a  wi! 
imagined,  and  the  sight  was  not  an  agreeable  one.  for  remem 

bered  our  bold  deeds  in  slaying  some  of  his  tribe,  and  1  we  were 

of  the  fact,  but  now  it  seemed  to  us  that  such  matters  were  not  to  our  credit, 
and  that  our  scalps  were  in  danger  of  being  raised  to  pay  for  our  temeriiy. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

URPRISED   GREETING.  —A    MIDNIGHT   VISITOR.  —  AN    ANGRY    BEAR. — 

AN   OWL'S    TOOT.  —  A    LAND    OK    WARRIORS,  —  Till:    CHIKl-'.S    COMMANDS. 

—ESCAPING    WITH    OUR   SCALPS.  —  THE     SULPHUR     SPRING     AND    bATH. 

—  THE    RAN*   HERO'S    FEARS. —THE    NIGHT  CAMP    AT   THE  FOOT    OF   THE 

-THE    PROWLING      LION.  —  ii  MISS.  —  A     STRANGE 

KING.  — Tin:    LONELY   L.\\V<>\.  —  LUS    ANGELES. —  DON    SANCHOS 
APPEARS, 

R  one  moment  we  prized  on  the  savage  without  speaking,  after  Lew- 
iin.uion.  No  wonder  my  friend  thought  that  our  visitor  was 
the  devil,  for  he  did  look  diab"  .  ;he  flames  lighted  up  his  dark, 
painted  face  and  hair,  the  latter  ornamented  with  eagle's  feathers,  \\hile  the 
handle  of  his  lance  was  decorated  with  human  locks  and  long  strips  of  red 
My  taken  from  the  shirts  of  dead  Mexicans  or  trappers,  whom 
the  .id  encountered  during  his  raid  from  the  southern  part  of 

ii  lower  California. 

.Ml  tiiis  wj  h.id  time  to  note,  as  Jack  made  a  bound  for  the  unwelcome 

and  unexpected  visitor,  hut  we  were  not  prepared  to  see  our  dog,  just  as 

lie  was  within  a  short  distance  of  the  Apache  chief,  receive  a  kick  that  sent 

him  end  over  end,  and  finally  l.v-ded  the  little  fellow  in  my  lap,  where  I 

held  him  fast,  quivering  with  rage  and  disappointment,  as  I  wanted  to  see 

nany  companions  the  Indian  had.  and   if   hi?,  visit   was   peace  or  war, 

before  proceeding  to  extremities.     Our  rilles  wore  some  distance  from  us, 

and  out  of  reach,  and.  had    we  jumped   to  our  feet,  and  ran  to  obtain  pos- 

:.on  of  them,  the  savage  could  have  thrust  hi  rou^li  and  through 

d  hardly  stirred  from  his  tracks. 
"  How?  "  asked  the  Apache,  as  he  held  up  one  hand,  the  palm  turned  ** 


Lewty  and  I. 


wtrd  us,  which  must  have  signified  good  will,  for  he  made  no  effort  to  use 
his  weapon,  or  move  toward  us. 

••  How?  "  we  both  exclaimed,  and  imitated  his  example,  still  letaiuingour 
seats,  and  that  probably  saved  our  lives,  as  the  savage  saw  that  we  had  no 
hostile  intentions. 

"  Mexicano?"  demanded  the  Indian,  with  a  sharp  look  from  his  bright 
eyei.  as  Tic  asked  the  question. 

both  answered  with  one  accord,  as  we  supposed  the  chief  had 
no  love  for  people  of  that  race. 

"Quien  r  "  our  visitor  demanded  in  Spanish,  showing  that  he  knew  some- 
g  of  the  language. 

"  Americano,"  Lewey  replied,  at  a  venture. 

The  face  of  the  Apache  lighted  up  at  once,  lost  some  of  its  sternness, 
and  a  slight  smile  passed  over  his  rather  good-looking  countenance,  even  if 
it  was  fierce. 

"  Speakie  you  de  Yankee  ?  "  asked  the  warrior,  to  our  great  surprise. 

"  Yes.     Where  did  you  learn  to  talk  English  ?  "  I  demanded. 

The  savage  extended  his  hand,  and  came  forward,  dropping  his  lance  as 
he  did  so,  to  show  that  his  intentions  were  peaceable. 

We  shook  hands  with  the  visitor,  and  motioned  him  to  take  a  seat  by  the 
fire,  while  I  released  the  struggling  Jack,  who  smelledof  the  Apache,  and 
no  longer  threatened  the  savage  who  had  saluted  him  with  an  unceremoni 
ous  kick.  But  it  was  evident  our  pet  remembered  the  rough  treatment,  for 
he  looked  at  us  as  much  as  to  say,  "  Just  let  me  try  that  dodge  over  again, 
and  you  will  see  if  I  don't  do  better." 

41  Me  speakie  good  Yankee,"  the  Apache  said.  "  Me  learn  of  white  trap 
per  awa>  off,"  and  he  pointed  toward  the  mountains. 

"  Is  the  chief  hungry  ?  "  I  asked. 
*    "  Yes,  me  eat." 

\\Y  cut  off  some  steaks  of  venison,  ind  threw  them  on  the  coals,  and 
then  handed  a  pot  of  coffee  to  the  Indian.  He  drank  all  that  there  was, 
•macked  his  lips,  and  said  "  Good,"  then  proceeded  to  rake  the  burning 
flesh  from  the  fire,  and  to  eat  as  though  a  long  ride  had  given  him  a  sharp 
appetite. 

We  handed  him  a  cake  of  pilot  bread,  and  a  pinch  ol  salt,  and  then  the 
chief  must  have  thought  that  we  were  not  bad  friend s  for  he  no  longer 
glanced  around,  and  peered  in  the  darkness,  stopping  his  mastication  every 
lew  seconds  to  listen  for  unusual  noises,  or  to  note  if  strangers  were  lurk* 
Ins;  near. 


Lcwy  and  I. 

In  h..  Disposed  of  large  quantities  of  half  cocked 

•lot  mine:  .  hes  that  adhered  to  the  chops,  and  at  last, 

when   nis    .  ,    he    drew    back    from    the    fire,    and 
murmured,  — 

\Ve  handed  him  a  dozen  cigarettes,  and  he  lighted  one,  took  a  long  whiff, 
swallowed  the  smoi.  d  to  relish  it,  then  asked, — 

bat  do  here?" 
"  On  the  way  to  Los  Angel 

i.nvn.     Me  know.    There,"  and  he  pointed  in  the  di 
rection  of  i 

"And  what  are  you  doinj;  here  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Steal  cattle, '  WAS  the  eai.  lid  Answer,  and  he  looked  a  little  proud,  as  he 
uttered  the  \u< 

-     A  bivr  chief  like  you  should  have  many 
compani-  !,  thinking  to  flatter  the  savage. 

"  AK  all   ai\mnd  here.     Me  call,  they  come.     No  call, 

BO  Co 

I  thought  the-  Indian  w.i  '       ;ed  to  believe  him,  as  it  is  not 

just  the  tiling  to  doubt  a  man's  word,  when  you  are  in  his  power,  or  he  haa 
influer.i  him  up  in  all  he  as- 

"  IIo\v  f.ir  ha>  .vcied  today  ? ''  I  asked. 

"O!  .  i-o:n  th-j  mountains  this  morn,  when  the  sun  rise. 

Tomorrow  -.lean    no  li^ht.     Tl. 

.:  the  Apache's  war-cry." 

He  pointed  in  the  direction  of  the  Vallecito   Ranche,  and  I  pitied  my 
\v^«il'!-.      :  in  law,  if  .  i  i.im  by  surprise,  aiul  wished  that  I  could 

led  raid,  for  I  had  no  ill  feeling  against  him, 
marry  his  only  daughter,  a  girl  not  remarkable  fur 

:  that  our  visitor  had  not  learned  of  the  death  of  four  of  hi- 
pie,  and  tli.it  \e  were  concerned  in  their  early  decease,  for  if  such  \\ 

that  he  mi-ht  desire  to  avenge  their  great 
.      '     mentally  resolved  to  make  oo 

:'ie  haunts  of  the  A  '  »r  just 

*Jien   v."    were    n-.t    ambi:'  i«»es.      \\' 

boast 

i  the  road  today,"  I  said.     '•  \Ve  have 
craveieci  n,  i  seen  no  trail." 


I   answer.     "Apache  see 

kill  vt-a,  .- 

"What  i:  i  :•:-.  -v  ll   -uUl  see  us  tomorrow?"  I  asked. 

,kecs.     Me  give  you  pass.     Apache  know 

let  \«-u  p  •  i!  see  you." 

We  had  our  doubts  on  the  subject,  but  at  the  same  time  concluded  not 
express  them  in  a  defiant  manner.     We  thought  it  best  to  be  on  good  U 

For  dree  years  me  live  with  white  trapper  over  de  mountains, 

at  his  cigarette.     "  He  show  me  how  to  shoot 
tosp;  4-jc,  and  to  be  a  big  warrior.     He  and  de 

great  .  each  other.     S'pose  you  Mexican,  me  not  s- 

»nd  eat  at  your  fire.     Me  kill  you,  and  take  scalp." 

.oa  not  wait  until  we  were  asleep,  and  then  kill   us?' 

jsked. 
Thc  e  smiled,  and  a  cunning  look  passed  over  his  fa 

he  answered,  — 

,.  M,  .tiernoon.     Me  see  you  camp,  and  kill  de      er,  ai 

me  ( |  Den  me  hear  you  speak  de  Yankee  ling. 

l,     We  n;c;v:,,-aad  he   held  out  his  sta. 

{or  anoti  -.f  our  hands. 

Wl.  i   could  be  trusted,  but  were  not  su 

.  Sil  talked  with  him  for  an  hour  or  more,  and  tru 
and  looked  to  our  horses,  bey  had  fed  enough   for  the  : 

:  their  location  to  a  tree  close  to  the  camp-fire. 

il  our  horses  ?  "  I  said,  as  we  secured  the  animals  by  strong 
rcat  |  they  could  not  break  away. 

The  youn-  fell  'vach  as  a  warrior  who  is  on  a  trail  d.ircs 

look  ;  >:id  shook  his  head. 

.     No  steal  friends' horse.     Take  '3  all 

want.     Set-  me  br'.n,'  in  my  mustang  for  de  night." 

_;ers  in  his  mouth,  and  uttered  a  shrill 

t  of  the  rhapparel,  and  galloped  t 
itop:  :/,n  a  few  feet  of   its  owner,  and  waited  for  furth 

ma- 

Our  horses  uttered  dissatisfied  snorts,  and  manifested  symptoms  of 
§irK  h   of  the  half-tamed  and  ha'r 

qulctccl  then  '.iien  the  Indian  hobMed  his  stec-1 

lore  legs  together,  and  turned  it  loose,  to  feed  as  it  might  during  the 


Lewey  and  /. 


We  gave  the  chief  our  horse-blankets  to  lie  on,  examined  the  caps  on  the 
rifles,  to  see  that  they  were  all  correct,  and  then  lay  clown,  the  Indian  with 
his  feet  to  the  fire,  and  his  lance  by  his  side.  He  might  have  been  playing 
'possom,  for  it  seemed  to  us  that  no  sooner  was  his  head  on  the  ground 
than  he  fell  asleep. 

"  Lewey/'  I  whispered,  as  we  pulled  the  blankets  over  our  shoulden, 
''is  the  cuss  honest?  " 

"  By  gar,  Thorn,  dat  is  sornethin'  dat  I  can't  answer  much  mineself.  V« 
•ill  put  our  trust  in  dc  saints,  and  hope  to  avake  in  cle  mornin'  vid  cle  hair 
an  our  booful  heads.  If  he  moves  eber  so  little  in  de  night,  and  mine  eyes 
is  open,  den  I  shoot  him  like  a  coyote,  you  see." 

And,  even  as  the  French  lad  spoke,  his  voice  grew  a  little  indistinct,  and 
he  uttered  a  snort,  that  sounded  like  snoring,  but,  as  Lewey  n\\\ 
that  he  never  snored  in  all  his  life,  I  supposed  that  I  must  believe  him. 

In  a  few  minutes  I  should  have  followed  his  example,  except  the  nasal 
•ounds,  but  kept  my  eyes  open  by  a  powerful  effort,  aud  watched  the 
flickering  fire,  saw  the  embers  grow  dim,  and  heard  the  loud  calls  of  the 
numerous  coyotes,  as  they  summoned  their  clans  for  an  inspection  of  our 
camp.  The  horses  were  not  easy,  and  seemed  to  fret  at  their  confinement, 
while  Jack  uttered  a  few  low  growls,  then  curled  up  under  the  blankets,  and 
went  to  sleep,  for  the  poor  little  fellow  was  as  the  rest  of  us.  and 

needed  repose. 

T3y  and  by  I  dropped  off  to  sleep,  and  was  half  awakened  by  feeling  some 
thing  snorting  at  my  ear.  I  imagined  that  it  was  Lewey  tr.  t  more 
than  his  share  of  the  blankets,  so  spoke  sharply  to  him,  and  said,  — 

"  Lie  still,  you  Frenchman,  and  let  me  sleep,"  and  then  something  hit  me  * 
clip  alongside  of  the  head,  that  was  far  from  pleasant,  and  I  gave  my  compan- 
fon  a  kick  on  his  body  that  made  him  utter  a  choice  expression  in  his  na« 
tive  tongue,  and  roll  over,  and  then  Jack  darted  out  from  under  the  blan 
kets,  gave  some  shrill  barks,  and  when  I  looked  up  over  me  stood  a  huge, 
hairy  animal,  with  glowering  eyes,  and  a  monstrous  paw,  that 
to  let  fall  on  my  face.  By  the  faint  bla/e  I  saw  th.it  my  nocturnal  visitor 
was  a  bear,  and  not  a  small  one,  cv  '.is  of  the  common  black  variety. 

"A   bcarl  a  bear!"  1    yell-  i!ed  out  of  the  reach  of  the  heavy 

paw,  and  gr.tb!>ccl  my  rifle. 

'•  A  bear!  Varc  ?  "  yelled  Lewey,  and,  as  he  struggled  to  his  ft  hi-  f--lt 
where,  for  the  visitor  laid  a  paw  on  the  seat  o(  his  troupers,  and  I  heard 
above  the  uproar  the  sharp  tearing  of  cloth  and  buckskin,  and  then  th« 
•brill  voice  of  my  friend,  I  d,  — 


Lcwey  and  /. 


.:ross  the  fire  I  ian,  but  ho  had  gone  as 

p  aburnin/ 

the  face  of  the  ch   was  snorting  around  th 

horses  to  be  n  ;th  terror.     But  the  brand  stop; 

for  a  moment,  and  thus  I  was  enabled  to  seize  my  rifle,  and  ill  into 

his  bo  only  rendered  the  beast  more  furious,  and,  wit!. 

0  charged  on   me,  but  I  jumped  aside,  and  escaped  the  deadly  em- 

fired,  and,  as  he  did  so,  a  dark  form  bounded  f» 

a:ul  thrust  a  lance  into  the  beast,  near  the  fore  shoulder,  and,  before  the 
brute  could  snatch  at  the  weapon,  and  break  it,  the  Indian  had  : 

salted  to  see  if  there  was  occasion  for  another  prod, 
and  I  got  behind  a  neighboring  tree,  loaded  our  ritl 
darkness  would  permit,  and  little  Jack  made  music  and  work  as  he   t 
:  ear  of  the  savage  beast,  yet  kept  out  of  harm's  way  by  his  agi: 
ulness. 

The  flre  leaped  up,  stirred  into  life  by  the  tumult  that  _:,  and 

then  we  saw  the  young  Apache  chief  once  more  leap  forward,  and  thrust 

his  long  iancc  into   the  body  of  the  bear,  and  this  time  his  stroke  touched 

art,  fur  the  animal  uttered  a  faint  roar,  and    tumbled  over,  bit  at  the 

and  ground,  and  was  dead. 

"II,  .     "  Big  feast  tomorrow.     Good  meat  for  warrior, 

brave  heart  for  Indian  on  the  trail." 

iled  on  the  wood,  and  lighted  up  the  surroundings,  so  that  we  could 
sec  our  prize.     It  was  a  black  bear,  not  one  of  the  ferocious,  fighting, 
kind,  but  a  beast  formidable  enou  ;h  about  five  hundi 

:  not  care  to  encounter  many  during  our  journey,  especially  in  the 

me  before  we  could  calm  our  horses,  or  get  Jack  to  settle 

1  peace  and  quietness.     As  he  labored  under  the  impression  that  he 
had  done  most  of  the  killing,  he  required  us  to  pat  and  praise  him  a  dozen 
times  before  he  could  be  induced  to  curl  up,  and  go  to  sleep,  and  even  then 

.•am  of  the  battle,  and  growl  himself  awake,  dart  to  the  carcass, 
and  sniff  at  it  to  see  if  there  was  any  life  exi-  -isfied  that  there  was 

none,  he  would  retire  for  another  nap,  and  repeat  the  performance 
course  of  half  an  hour. 

••  Yankees   heap  brave   : 

Mexicans.     We  friends  now  more  than  1  he  extended  his  paw, 

and  VT*  again  shook  hands.     He  seemed  to  think  that  there  was  some  spec- 


I  So  Lewey  and  I. 


..inc-mce  in  this  ceremony,  which  he  had  learned  from  his  white  trap 
per  friend. 

\Ve  piled  uu  some  wood  on  the  fire,  to  keep  the  coyotes  from  gnawing 
the  carcass  of  the  bear,  and  once  more  went  to  ^ieep,  and  this  time  we  were 
not  distur'oed,  for  we  did  not  awake  until  after  daylight,  and  then  only  by 
the  loud  honking  of  thousands  of  geese  on  the  borders  of  the  stream 

>oung  Indian  had  disappeared,  but  his  blood  stained  lance  was  lean- 
:  linst  a  tree,  and  his   hobbled   horse    was  near  our  own.  • 

j  scornfully  received  and  rejected  by  our  animals,  as  thev 
.  and  bit  at  the  mustang  every  time  it  approached  to  exchange  inorn- 

U'e  wondered  where  the  Apache  chiet  had  gone,  but  did  not  suppose  that 
he  was  far  off,  and  our  surmises  were  correct,  for  the  Indian  came  into 
camp,  bearing  on  Ins  back  eight  fat  geese,  which  he  had  shot  with  his  bow 
and  a  !  with  hardly  an  eit 

"Cook  goose,"  the  Indian  said,  and,  drawing  his  knife,  cut  off  neck  and 

then  run  the  blade  across  the  breast,  stripped  skin  and  feather- 
the  carcass  at   .  id  pull,  and  there   was  the  flesh  and  fat  before  us, 

clean  and  tempting  looking. 

did  not  seem  to  think  that  it  was  necessary  to  remove  the  crop 
'.  smiled  in  a  disdainful  manner  when  we  performed  the  of 
fice  before  laying  the  fowl  upon   the  coals.     However,  he  offered  no  ob 
it  ched  the  cooking  with  the  concern  of  a   hungry  man,  and, 
when   the  g  -  done,  and  the  coffee  made,  we  fell  to,  and  there  were 

nes  left  for  Jack  to  pick,  but  he  satisfied  his  hunger  on  broiled  veni 
son.  Then  we  lighted  our  pipes,  and,  while  we  were  smoking,  heard  at  a 
e,  the  gruff  hoot  of  an  owl.  The  Indian  listened  for  a  moment  very 
a'lontively,  then  put  his  hands  to  his  me  nth  and  repeated  the  cry.  Five 
minutes  later  a  dozen  painted  Apache  warriors  burst  through  the  chapparel, 
and  clashed  toward  us,  shaking  their  long,  ornamented  lances  in  an  ominous 
manner. 

ll  no  move, '  was  the  chiefs  command,  as  we  were  about  to 
is  we  thought  our  time  had  come.     "  Hold  dog  fast," 

the  Indian  continued,  noticing  that  Jack  was  struggling  to  escape  from  my 
arms,  and  mnke  a  rush  toward   the  visitors,  to  investigate  them,  and  see  if 
•;ld  not  defeat  them  tingle  handed.     "Keep  still.     Me  friend  yours. 
:rt  Yankees,  if  you  no  hurt  them." 

it  still,  but  were  a  little  apprehensive  of  trouble.     We  could  not  do 
much  in  the  way  of  defeating  twelve  well-mounted  Apaches,  and  escape  was 


Lewey  and  1. 


181 


not   to  he  th,  rses  were  neither  saddled  nor  bridled,  and 


e 

•  to  thaf..  ..cerful, 

the  i   hckl   up  onc  D  the  visitors  checked 

lecl- 

:-  why  they  were  not   per- 

.ips  from  our  h.aas,  as  is  the  pleasant  custom  c 
vhen  on  the  war  path. 

.  vcrv  del  emptied  *  tin  pot  of  the  tec, 

lighted  a  cigarette,  puffed   out    volumes  of  smoke  fron  -hen 

irdbiscoa  crchange 

(1  us,  and  then  to  \ 
They  needed  no  second  inviutic 

but  -.heir  horses,  whipped  0  Knives,  and  commen 

•kin: 

re  thus  en-a-cd.  tli« 

•f»r  the  time  when  we  should 

be  v.  '  ;'c> 

uj,  ipercd  L 

ven  lushin*  down  do  m^  ;  Hng  b 

ked  our    pipes,  and 
i  about  the  cai 

M.ded   to   have 

i.  and  then  laid  a  hand  on  the 
!  appropriate  our  property  t 

nt  as  if  to  start  tip,  and  prevent  the  fellow  from 

;   chief  noticed   the   act,   an'  :.aher 

sternly,  — 

quiet  keep.     I  .icf,  and  take  care  of  fr 

,->oke  in  his  native  t  he,  the  one   who   \v.i<  making 

^e.  >w  seemed  to  hes:> 

ment,  he  did 
tion  !«•  stf  il  " 

i:-,d  this  time  a  lutie  more  ln^ 


Lewey  and  /. 


rior  retained  his  hold  of  the  horses,  in  spite  of  their  plunging,  for  they 
smelled  the  savage,  and  did  not  like  his  odor  or  wild  looks.  Then  the 
Apache  thief  muttered  some  words  which  must  have  been  impudent,  or 
"  back  answers/'  as  we  used  to  say  on  ship-board,  for  the  eyes  of  the  young 
Indian  flashed  like  those  of  an  enraged  mountain  lion.  He  bounded  to  his 
feet,  snatched  his  long  lance,  that  leaned  against  a  tree,  poised  it  for  a  mo 
ment,  and  only  for  a  moment,  and  then  sent  it  whizzing  through  the  air  ap 
parently  without  aim. 

But  it  was  aimed  true,  and  .vent  with  the  force  of  a  tornado.  The  warri 
or  tried  to  dodge  the  Hying  lance  by  ducking  his  head,  but  the  barbed  point 
struck  him  on  the  shoulder,  and  down  he  went. 

The  warriors  suspended  their  labors  on  the  bear  for  a  moment,  and 
looked  at  their  wounded  companion,  but  no  one  offered  to  resent  the 
injury. 

The  chief  muttered  some  angry  words,  and  waved  his  hand.  It  was  an 
order  to  one  of  the  Indians  to  return  his  lance,  and  the  youngest  of  the  gang 
sprang  forward,  tore  tiie  weapon  from  the  shoulder  of  the  prostrate  Apache, 
regardless  of  his  injuries,  and  then  handed  the  instrument  to  the  chief  with 
every  mark  of  respect,  and  the  latter  received  the  spear  without  even  a 
word  of  thanks,  or  a  cold  nod  of  recognition.  He  seemed  to  be  accustomed 
to  having  his  commands  obeyed,  and  no  wonder,  for  lie  was  the  el  iest  son 
of  the  most  powerful  and  popular  chie  in  Southern  Arizona,  the  celebrated 
Plomo,  or  lead,  a  savage  now  forgotten,  but  a  well  kno.vn  character  forty 
years 

The  wounded  sav.ige  st.vjfgcred  to  his  feet,  and  disappeared  in  the  chappa- 
rel,  where  I  have  no  doubt  his  injuries  were  dressed  by  a  comrade,  but  no 
one  sought  to  avenge  the  honor  of  the  disgraced  Apache,  or  took  any  fur 
ther  notice  of  the  incident. 

:dy  you  get,"  the  young  Indian  chief  said,  as  soon  as  he  had  shown 
;  ithority.     •'  Me  show  you  place  to  cross  de  river.     Ride  hard,  and  no 
*ay  nothin'  a',out  Apaches  to  Mexicans.     Me  spoken,  you  hear?  " 

•-•d,   and    lost   no   time    in    preparing  j<mnvy.      We 

thought  it  was  best  to  put  some  miles  between  us  and  the  painted  s;iv<iges. 
Our  horses  were  in  good  order  fora  long  gallop,  and  we  mentally  agreed 
not  to  halt  until  we  had  gained  the  shelter  of  the  ranch  at  San  Mateo, 
where  we  hoped  to  pass  the  night. 

-.'-•  gathered  up  our  blankets  and  stores,  the  Indians  piled  on  the  fire 
lumps  of  Lear  and  deer  meat,  and  hardly  allowed  tl;  warmed 

before  they  were  piiU&d  Crorn  the  ashes,  and  devoured,  the 


Lewey  and  f.  183 


and  blood  running  down  each  side  of  their  u^ly  and  dirty  mouths,  and  from 
thence  tri-  ^icir  naked,  painted  bre; 

e  put  the  saddles  on  the  horses,  many  a  n  as  di 

rected  to  our  blankets  and  stores,  but  not  a  I  uttered,  or  a  hand 

raised  to  help  or  restrain  us  from  :ncd  to  excite  ad 

miration,  but  no  one  ventured  to  lay  a  finger  on  our  guns,  much  as  they 
wanted  to.     The  chief  appeared  to  keep  !.  i  his  followers,  and  his 

was  near  at  hand. 
In  half  an  hour's  time  we  were  ready  to  vl  looked  an: 

e  chief  for  permission  to  move  on.     He  spoke  a  few  words  to  a 
•;or,  and  the  latter  went  in  search  of  the  mustang  that  had  been  hobbled 
the  night  before.     It  was  not  far  off.     Without  saddle  or  bridle  the  young 
Indian  sprang  on  its  back,  and  motioned  for  us  to  follow  him. 
"  Good-by,  red  men  of  de  mountains  and  plains,"  said  Lewey.  tur; 
Indians,  for  he  could  not  resist  the  temptation  to  say  a  few  words,  like 
is  mad  all  over,  and  desires  the  last  expression  of  her  opinion, 
nebber  meet  agin  in  dis  vorld,  or  de  vorld  to  come.  «.  ve 

\o  fear.     A  long  farewell  to  all  of  you  now  and  forebber,  amen.     Now  I 
•ne  down  to  sleep,"  and  here  the  boy  forgot  the  rest  oi  Jon,  and 

not  wait  for  the  gruff  exclamation  of  astonishment  from  the  savages, 
who  were  not  aware  of  the  benedictio  .  calling  down  on  their  heads 

*  serious  a  strain. 

,  j,  and  waved  their  soiled  hands  in  token  of  fare- 

.u k   <>f  disgust  at  the  painted  dc\  trotted 

on  ahead.  ^ot  out  of  such  ciisn 

•'.eir  heads,  and  manifest  ;:eatbeir.^ 

society  as  they  had  been  forced  to  consort  with  for  t!. 

allowed  the  young  chief  along  the  bank  of  the  stream.  'lc,  or 

and  then  ice  where  his  band  had  forded   that   morrr: 

.s   not  more   than  two  feet  deep,  we  judged,  and  we  could  sec  the 
trail  that  lc-1  to   it  for  a  long  di  harply  defined  rass 

and  high  rhan; 

"H»  the  chief  his  hand. 

1  nebber  i:  i  see  mor 

. 

He  tore  off  a  feather  from  his  headdress,  notched  it  in  a  peculiar  manner 
with  hit  knife,  and  handed  it  •• 
Wt  thanked  him  for  his  Icind.icss,  and  then  I  offered  to  bestow  a  hand  oi 


cy  and  /. 


•.-•.:•!  i. is  protection.  ded 

the  lord,  as  i;  ,.  without 

!  our  horses,  and  crossed  the  crick  in  . 
uht  -round,  turned  in  OUI 

still  standing  .  left  him,  watching  our  movements.     \V 

our  nee   more,  touched  our  must. 

U  possible,  and  that  was  the  last  we  saw  of   lh< 

"  I    .  Lewey,  "if  he  did  not  much  regret,  ven  he  M 

.  his  dirty  gang,  (hit  he  no  keep  us  ?  " 
>  :re  on  that  point  let  us  hasten  our  steps,"  I 

we  went   at  a  lively  lope,  and  did   not  check  our  horses  until  \\e.x.j\vthat 
Jack  was  suffering  at  the  pace,  and  needed  a  breathing  spell.     Then  we 
.ed  our  steeds,  and   talked  of   the  lucky  escape  we  In  1  m  ;,ow 

Mould  be  that  we  had  claimed  America  . 

M,    we   still    res, >ivcd    to  call   ourselves 
'.  the  next  stopping-place,  mil.  is  occupied  by  Inc: 

the  sake  of  our  lives  we  determined  to  be  anything  and   •  , — 

•  •riser,  .Mexican,  or  French.     It  did   not  mutter  to  u> 
.ir  persons  and  scalps,  for  we  thov-ht  more  of  them  ; 
TV. 

ic  hour  was  early  and  cool,  we  got  over  considerable  ground   \ 

at    times  a   little    indistinct,    but     \ve    pointed    . 
A .ud   the  north,  and  could  tell  by  the  sun    in  which 
.  'iing.     About  twelve  o'clock  we  saw  a  spring  bubbling  up  fmin  .1 
little  sand-hill,  and  thought  it  a  good  place  to  stop  and  rev  for 

.  jn  uttered  a  yell,  rubbed  his  mouth,  and  ba> 
i 

-  is  de  m  :  dog?  "  asked  Lewey,  and  took  his  tin  pot,  dip 

:  put  it  to  his  lips. 
^tcre  I  &  a  (  lamation,  such  as  he  had   learned   on 

•,atcr  from  his  mouth,  and  said,  — 

"It  is  hot  as  de   infernal   regions,  and  t.iste  just  1'ke  de  pla«-<?  yoi: 
• 

'lie  c.irtli.  and  kiil'-; 

ittra  t  thousand 
iiave  often  wondered  if  that  spr.ng   h., 


Lewey  and  I. 


,ent  modern  times,  or  if  an  earthquake  h  :  the 

.rter. 
md   for  cokl  water,  and  found  some  in  the 

v.iih  iron,  but  sweet  and  pure.     T 

•:  thought  it  \s 

ve  them  a  good  feed  and  K 
;  we  couid  screen  ourselves  from  the  hot 

.1  few  winks  of  sleep  after  our  lunch.     Then,  t 
realized  that  we  had  nothing  to  eat  except  bread  and  co 

.,s  of  the  deer  with  the  Indians,  glad  enough  to  get 
;n  without  claiming  our  property.     There  was  a  pro< 

:;ened  to  hear  some  cooing  in  a  distan: 
-ere  were  thousands 
I  themselves  from  tin-  noonday  IK 
;.mce.     Hoides,  there  were    pic: 

-  could  kill  all  the  birds  we  i.- 
>hot,  sending  some  lurking  Apache  to  our  retrc.r. 

i  :i  rifle. 

med  cruel  to  kill  the  gentle,  pretty  little  things,  so  innocent  of 
intern:  ng  on  our  part,  for  they  did  not  '--n   I 

cr  the   tree.     But  we   were    huji^rv.  and   the   It 

.  aions.     1  picked  up  a  club,  and  i:  rith  all 

,cstr(:.  B.     The  weapon  struck  a  thick  c- 

"1  he  uninjured  ones  just  coocu  a  little  louder  than 
-.  )  riy. 

, oil.  and,  as  we  had  all  that  we  co..  -me  meal, 

\i\  the  birds  without  further  destruction. 

ti  rejoiced  when  he  saw   *hat  I  had  secured.     He  starU 
I   then   we  plucked  >ns,  cooked  them  over  the  coaN 

.  hidin-  Jack,  who  h.i-i  a  whole  one, 
him,  which   his  looks  , 

short  nap.  and  we  were 
arjoin 

.ilTicicntly  cool.     In   this 


Lewey  and  7. 


much  better  for  it,  although  Lewey  said  that  tlie  sulphur  bit  some 
portions   of  his   skin,  where  the  bear  had  hit  him   the  night  before,  and 
which  riding  horseback  had  not  improved  to  any  great  extent,  to  judge  by 
the  way  the   French  lad  danced  around  on  one   foot,  and  uttered  startling 
exclamations  in  several  different  tongues,  and  seemed  inclined  to  be  i; 
nant  because   I   laughed  at  him,  as  I  felt  not  his  smarts.     It  is  ca^ 
laugh  at  another's  woes. 

We  started  on  our  journey  about  three  o'clock,  our  bodies  and  horses  re* 
freshed  for  the  ride  to  San  Mateo,  where  we  expected  to  find  a  ranch e,  and 
quarters  for  the  night.  As  we  left  our  camping  ground,  which  is  now  a 
railroad  station,  and  called  Vista,  we  almost  regretted  that  we  could  not 
pass  the  night  in  such  a  pleasant  place.  But  the  fear  of  Indians  \va 
our  minds,  and  we  did  not  dare  to  tarry  any  longer  in  such  a  lonely 
place. 

The  trail  for  the  afternoon  led  us  over  rough  hills  and  sandy  plains,  and 
toward  sundown  we  looked  on  a  pleasant  valley,  and  saw  an  adobe  house 
and  out-buildings,  and  more  than  a  thousand  head  of  cattle  grazing  on  the 
rich  grass.  Two  rancheros,  mounted  on  strong  mustangs,  were  clashing 
over  the  phin,  but  as  soon  as  they  saw  us,  uttered  a  loud  Mexican  yell,  and 
spurred  their  horses  toward  the  houses,  as  though  to  seek  shelter  from 
suspicious  visitors. 

We  did  not  quicken  our  pace,  but  moved  along  slowly,  so  that  the  people 
could  get  over  their  scare,  and  receive  us  as  Christians,  and  not  as  Apache 
warriors,  as  they  probably  thought  we  were. 

We  rode  up  to  the  corral,  and  then  waited  for  some  one  to  m;ikc  an  ap 
pearance.  Two  dogs  were  in  the  dooryard,  but  they  only  bark  and 
did  not  venture  near,  for  reasons  best  known  to  themselves. 

Presently  we  saw  the  door  of  the  adobe  house  cautiously  opened,  ami  a 
wild  looking  greaser's  head  thrust  out,  and  a  long,  big-bored  escopeta  was 
pointed  in  our  direction. 

Vho  in  the  devil's  name  are  you  ?  "  was  asked  in  Spanish. 

are  friends,"  was  our  response,  "on  the  way  to  Los  We 

shelter  for  the  night,  and  God  will  reward  you  for  your  kindness,  as 
<ve  c.  5  poor.'' 

.ere  do  you  come  from  ?  "  and  the  d^or  was  opened  a  little  further, 
40  that  a  incl  view  could  be  obtained  of  our  persona,  and  honest- 

"San  Diego,  and  we  are  French  boys,  traveling  through  the  country  for 
pleasure." 


Lewey  and  I.  187 


;  '.  -ing  you  permission  for  the  journty  ?  "  was   next 

demanded. 

"  Lots  of  them.    Come  and  read  them  if  you  will,"  was  our  response. 

,o  one  in  this  house  can  read,"  was  the  answer. 
We  had  expected  the  reply,  so  were  not  disappointed. 
"  Then  come  and  look  at  us.     You  have  nothing  to  fear.     We  have  ridden 
hard  to  escape  the  Apaches,  whom  we  met  this  morning,"  I  shouted. 

you   mean  that  you  have  seen  wild  Indians  nrar  us?'* 
and  tli  threw  open  his  door,  came  toward  us,  gun  in  hand,  followed 

.  and  ready  to  shoot  at  the  first  provocation. 
:r  answer,  as  the  men  drew  near  and  looked  more  friendly, 
seeing  that  we  were  not  formidable  appearing.     "  A  party  -  I  e  Indi 

ans  is  at  San  Felipe  Creek.     We  escaped  by  hard  riding,  but,  as  they  did 
not  cross  the  stream,  it  is  probable  that  they  have  gone  south  on  a  i 

"  Thank  the  saints  for  that,"  and  both  men   crossed  themseh 
mount,  senors.     Our  house  and  all  that  it  contains  are  at  your 

not  require  further  urging.  Our  saddles  were  taken  from  the 
horses  and  stored  in  a  shed,  where  we  knew  the  night  would  have  to  be 
passed,  for  it  was  the  guest  chamber  for  strangers,  and  then  we  piquetted 
our  animals  where  the  feed  was  good,  and  by  this  time  Jack  had  licked  the 

.to  respectful  treatment;  consequently  he  was  haj 
himself  quite  at  home. 

:  tied  to  the  house  two  women  had  made  their  appearance, 

one  the  wife  of  the  old   Mexican,  and  the  other  the  spouse  of  the  son. 

Neither  was  very  clean,  nor  handsome  so  Lewey  had   to  content  himself 

with  erurn'oling  because  they  lacked  beauty,  and  there  was  no  chance  for 

i:tter  soft  nonsense,  as  was  his  usual  custom,  when  he  had 

•crtodo.     The  ladies  of  the  house  were  a  little  diffident,  and 

hardly  raised  their  eyes  to  our  faces,  for  the  presence  of  strangers  was   em- 

•hey  saw  so  few  in  that  lonely  location.     But  they  commenced 

the  usu  »I  deliberate  preparations  for  supper,  and  soon  the  smell  of  tortillas 

arose  on  the  air,  and  the  mysterious  olia  was  simmering  on  the  inc. 

We  had   to  relate  all  of  our  experiences  with  the  Indians,  but  did  not 
deem  it  best  to  confine  ourselves  strictly  to  truth  in  so  doing.     We  said 

verc  about  to  cross  the  stream,  a  band  of  Apacl. 

in  our  ;  uttered  yells  and  threats,  but  did  not  pursue  us,  and  that 

saw  of  the  savages  they  were  headed  south.  We  did  not  deem 
it  best  for  the  you-.  :>ir  it  mig: 

made  the   Mexicans  suspicious.     Ncithtr  did  we  hint  that  we  had  killed 


Leiuey  and  I. 


three  Indians  in  the  vicinity  of  the  lonely  ranche,  and  thus  saved  the  life  of 
a  very  sv.cct   j*<  I.     We  did  not  care  to  have  the  information  reach 

the  ears  of  the  &ht  desire  to  cross  over  the  trail  at  some 

distant  da\,  nnd  perhaps  meet  the  savages  a  second  time. 

x  Why  did  not  the  ]  ?  "  asked  the  old  Mexican,  as  soon 

as  we  had  concluded  our  yarn. 

better  mounted  than  themselves,  and  had  rifles,"  was 

our  answer.     "  They  feared  our  guns,  and  sure  aim,"  making  it  appear  that 
we  were  <!e:ul  shots,  and  terrible  fellows. 

.ire  two  of  the  best  in  the  country.     One  of  them  we  know 
well.     It  has  been  sidden  by  the  government  courier  Pedro.     He  passed  by 
here  but  a  few  days  ago,'*  the  old  greaser  remarked,  and  there  was  a  tinge 
i  in  his  tones. 

.  in  an  indifferent  manner,  "we  met  him  at  Tobias's  ranch?, 
and  there  made  a  vjood  trade,  — our  horse  and  eight  reals  for  his." 
The  son  laughed,  and  the  old  man  grinned. 

"  Pedro  is  sharp  and  bright,"  the  former  said.     "  Holy  Virgin,  but  he  will 

be  a  rich  man  one  of  these  days,  unless  he  is  killed  by  the  Apaches.     Only 

think  of  the  rogue   making  such  a  bargain.     Ah,  to  gain  money  one  must 

with  the  world.     How  often  I  have  said  it,  padre,  and  desired  to  go 

in  search  of  fortune.     There  silver  is  to  be  picked  up  by 

the  handful*,  and  all  the  people  are  rich." 

.lie  oi<!  man  frowned  upon  such  wild  statements,  and  said  mam 
had   seen   the  wonders  of  the  town,  and  pesos  were  as  sc.. 
on  \\v:  ::d  food  much  dearer.     None  but  a  loco  would  want  to  live 

were  proud,  and  every  door  was  not  open  to  the 
-  silenced,  but  not  convinced,  in  this  respect  resembling 
»'  children  of  our  State,  who  tire  of  the  homesteads,  and  want  to 
see  more  of  life   than   a   little  village  can  sho-.v.      In  the  young  man' 

:s  like  the  capital  of  the  world,  teeming  with  wealth  and 
one  suddenly  rich.     He  had  never  read  a  page  of  a 
•isc  he  could  not,  and  what  he  knew  about  lite  in  other  pa: 
:i  the  courageous  priests,  who  once  in  a  while  ir,  •«  uit  of 

!    districts,  for   the   purpose  of  cl.ristenii,. 
celebrating  mass,  when  there  • 
:her  for  the  purpose  of  enjoying  such  r< 

of  tobacco  after  supper.   .  <:-oun(l  th 

•  •• 


Lewey  and  I. 

.,  and  tinv:    to  retire.     The  rant!. 

upon  him  in 

se  Of  (ilc  ere  they  would  be 

us  if  we  --e  an  atta 

1.     He  stated   that  he  relied  more  on  his 

inhifl      :i  watchfulness,  hated  the  sight  or 

:  of  an  Indian, .and  would  make  noise  enough  to  wake  us  up  in  case  the 

Broached.    The  curs  did  not  return  the  yelps  of  the  coyote>. 

•ecome  so  accustomed  to  their  barks  that  no  notice  :i  of 

:ig  but  the  wild  scream  of  a  mountain  lion,  or  the 

:ould  disturb  the  sleep  of  a  g 
,r  perfume  ot  md  tiiat  the  < 

.  detect,  even  if  the  Apaches  were  at  a  great  distance.     T  iey  may 
learned  in  some  way  that  the  Indians  were  partial  to  \>\ 

when  at  home,  or  in  camp  for  any  lengih  of 

To  be  .  l«  we  secured  our  horses  in  the  coi :  Jit, 

and  .  iired  with  our  long  ride,  and  the  disturbed  slum 

B  had  as  bed  fellows  the  usual  number  of  fK-as  and 
.  quite  tough,  could  endure  a  large  amount 
1  remain  quite  comfortable,  and  not  awakjn   to  curse  th- 

I  men  would  have  done,  with  less   tender  skins 

without  an  alarm.     We  were  up  soon  aft-: 
!  the  people  of  the  hou> 

>u«jht  savored  of  weak  m\:\  Is,     T!ie  son  show, 
•k  countenance,  and  stated  in  the  most  candid  no 
iter  on  either  for  some  week*,  and  yet,  he  ur 

:  not  soile  1.     \Ve  did  not  dare  to  dispute  the  point  with  him,  but 
re  th.it   he  did  not  handle  our  food.     The  women's 
to  endure,  but  shut  our  eyes,  and  hoped  for  the  b<' 

iered  if  we  should  die  after  eating  a 

peck  of  dirt.     If  the  proverb  held  good  we  feared  that  u\o  nice  your. 5  men 
would  be  taken  off  very  early  in  the  of  usefulness,  for  nltl 

•  we  rew.i  md  son  with  half  a  hand  of 

co,  to  p.i.  ^-nt,  fed  our  horses  with  a  measure  « 

few  enquiries  j  our 

had  bc«n  over  it,  and  direc'od  us 


Lewey  ana  /. 


11  as  he  was  able,  but  did  not  speak  in   the  most  encouraging  man 

of  tl.  and  canyons,  while  cros.-' 

he  wuun.i  i;;j  •  -''ing  that  the  view  from  the  summit  of  the  ; 

i  our  route  was  something  wonderful, 

bere  us  the  cheering  information  that  we  ; 

cam:  <>t  of  the  mountains  that  night,  it  being  dangerom 

the  canyons  in  t!ie  darkness,  as  a  mis-step  \v<uild  cause  U 
.  iter-courses  and  rocks  below.     \Ve  wei 
re  burning,  to  frighten  off  the  mountain  lions  and  be;:-  t  to 

t  the  same  time,  unless  we  could  rely  on  our  dog  t< 
the  approach  of  wild  beasts. 

:ed  the   Mexican  for  his  advice,  saddled  our  horses,  and  then 
•  the  family,  with  a  parting  warnin.  .  for 

son  whispered  that  he   wished  he   v 
and  d  his  company,  provided  he  had 

;  on  the  journey,  and  continued  the  practice  as 
;S  in  our  society,  and  handled  our  food 

its  to  the  ladies,  said  "  Adios,  senors."  to  the  men.  and 

.   at  a  moderate  pace,  to  our  own  joy,  at. 

Jack  be  clear  of  the  companionship  of  dogs  covered  with 

llcas,  a  .  nt  most  of  their  time  biting  and  scratching  at  the  hi: 

The  leasant,  with  a  warm  sun  overhead,  and  we  had  no  f 

irt  of  the  country,  so  rode  on  as  unconcerned  as  men  < 
>  well  acquainted  with   the  trail.      Lewey  was   unu- 

che  tD  me  how  anxious  he  was  to  see    !  and  that 

be  .re  been  a  fool  to   marry  Florencia,  and   buried  hi'. 

e  sake  of  any  woman,  no  matter  how  handsome  s 
:  1  tint  he  was  as  fickle  as  a  spring  morning,  the  boy  only 
i   that  he  could  not  help  it.     He  was  born  so,  and 

,--.v  called  Aluchiola  and  Santa  Ann,  stopped 
i  spring,  where  we  had  some  more  wild  pigeon 
the  orimi*'  -e  method  of  knockin.  n  the  br.. 

jbs,  and,  for  fc 
per  tim  two  dozer   -I  tbs  birds,  an  1  packed  th 

of  om  Msetul  articles.  .ml  ref. 

he   mountains,  and  the  i 
Jx>s  1  the  town  of  thatn.imt 


and  I. 


,  1  conclu-. 

ons  and 

is  on  our  way  over  tho 
o'.mtains,  the  clangers  u:  found  4 

nit   it    was  not  more  than  two  feet  cLej>,  and  e. 
;  he  source  was  from  the  snow-capped  hills,  e     [  ;ar  as  th« 

see,  north  and  south,  rough  and  shag. 

:   our  horses  near  the  stream,  where  the  grass  was  nutrU 

•  firewood  abundant,  washed  down  from  the  mountains  during  the 

.   .    season,  or  when  the  snow  was  melted  by  the  hot  sun  oi 

>nths.     We  found  a  huge  pine-tree,  under  UK  -s  o) 

Ived  to  build  our  fire  and  sleep.    To   the  trunk  we  could  se» 

.otses  for  the  night,  having  them  within  the  protecting  light  of  th* 

•mtain  lions  and  bears  a  ,  had  been 

understand  that  it  was  not  the  common  black  bear  that  would  b« 

on  the  mountains,  but   the  savage  old  jrrsly  or  a  cinna. 

:  an i  ma -i  ana  a  more  ac- 

.:nded,  for  he  never  knows  when  be    • 

,  took  my  fish-line, 
>:led  the 

•  a  bite,  but  IK  i.een 

v  beavers,  I  had  a  beautiiu!  rise-,  and  landed  a  pound  .  out 

of  one  prolific    hole   I  caught  six   ha  :  ^b,  fsiouu  .-per  ana 

.  in  connection  with  the  ; 
to  a  feast,  and  a  d<- 
t  nised  if  they  do  not  thto.v  him  a 

Minute  or  two,  and  reminds  them  th  U  they  ar-  :.  cer- 

duties  by  iaying  a  paw  on  their  amis   every  t 

nc  choice  bits. 
But  there  was  enough  for  all  of  us,  and  even  J.i 

•'.?,  or  the  tail  of  at:  :.on, 

I   much  as  to  sa  >u  think  i  am 

iat  you  desire  me  t 
>und  the  fire  until  the  flame  >  ic  shapes 

• 

our  :ncd  us  0, 

.  and  out 

:  for  our  < 
they  uttered  soft  whinnys,  as  if  pleading  lor  our  presence,  and  the  sou,-. 


and  /. 


is  indeed  |  m,t  hdpgl.ii. 

.•>  as  we  sat  on  the  giound,  a.v,  >ec  some- 

tni:-  i^n^r  out  from  the  darkness,  and  giving  us  no  room  : 

looked  to  our  rules  and  pistols,  tried   tlie  edges  of  our  long  knives, 
and,  guns  in  hands,  went  to  our  hordes,  and  brought  them  under  the   pine- 
tree's  sheltering  branches.     We  had  just  got  them  secured  for  the  night 
when  a  shrill  scream  came  from  a  canyon  up  the  mountain,  . 
that  a  fierce  lion  was  our  neighbor,  and  likely  to  trouble    .  :ae  hours, 

unless  \ve  could  dispose  of  him  in  a  satisfactory  manner.     Our  horses  trem 
',  and  even  J.ick  did  not  deem  it  advisable  to  leave    the  vicinity  of  the 
fire,  and  seek  an  er  counter  with  the  b 

:'.unes,  an  |  for  the  mountain  lion   tc 

show  himself,  but    h  .-    dl  1   n  >:    seem  disposed  to  \vnl-i'.  ,  for  som< 

.     We  could   hear  him  jump  from  rock  to  rock,  and  growl,  and  evi-r> 
Uer  a  yell  that  made  us  quake  wi  h  ic.tr,  but  we  did  not  go  ii 
pursuit,  and  so  sat  there  for  an  hour  or  more,  until  at  List  tl,e  beast  grew 
•leaking  near  the  horses.     Then  we  got  a  fair  glimpse  o 
h:s  .I:K|   determined  to  test  the  effect  ,11s,  and  see  i, 

we  ci/ui-1  not  kill  or  disable  him,  as  the  hungry  ,,le  to  ma! 

spring  at  any  moment,  either  on  us  or  the  must.. 

'Aim  at  de  eyes,"  whispered  Lewey,  and,  as  he  spoke,  -,ve  drew  up  our 
rifles, 

The  s!i-,ts  nvist  have  taken  efLvt,  for  there  were  sin  ill   screams  of  paiw 
:  then  a  huge,  tawny-colored  body,  dimly  seen  by  the  flickering 
.  _-s,  bound'  i  us,  and  landed  directly  in  the  rear  of  the  horses, 

the  worst  place  the   lion  could  have  chosen,  for  the  no.-. 

d  animals  hunched  out  their  heels   in   spiteful   fur..     :  v,  iid 

beast  square  on  the  ribs  and  shoulder,  sent  it  rolling  over  the  ground,  and 
in  our  direction.  Before  the  brute  could  recover  from  its  surprise  we 
emptied  the  contents  of  our  pistols  in  its  body,  but  even  then  it  tried  to  re- 
its  feet,  and  renew  the  fight  for  life.  Our  dog  now  thought  it  time  to 
show  his  spirit,  and  with  a  growl  dashed  at  the  hind-quarters  of  the  animal, 
and  nipped  it  near  its  tail,  but  the  beast  turned  and  struck  at  Jack  so  fierce 
a  blow  with  its  fore  paw,  that  our  pet's  life  wouM  have  en-led  then  and 
there  had  the  claws  touched  him.  Luckily,  the  dog  was  so  nimble  he 
avoided  the  stroke,  and,  before  the  lion  could  make  another  demonstration, 
we  seized  two  large  stones,  and  dashed  them  on  the  head  of  th 
This  last  assault  seemed  to  finish  it,  Lmt  to  make  sure  work  we  continued 


the   pros:  :  itil    no    si 

•  entured  near  the  body,  and  s 
-D.it   VCM   veil  done,"  Lewey  rem.irk?  !. 

.     "  De  brute  ^e 

•  re.i'ly  for  cle  next  von." 
\Ve  loaded  our  rifles  and  pistols,  dr.u  |  "ce 

our  horses,  so  that  they  could  not  see  it,  or  sim-il  th-- 
the  mustangs  until  they  quiet 

\onderful  to  note  the  actions 
.irikl  kind  words,  and  seemed  t 
ence  an;l  power  to  keep  them  from  all  harm. 

Both  of  us  did  not  dare  to  sleep  at  the    s  -tic 

re  collected   some   fresh  fuel,  and    then   Lc  and 

ile  I  kept  the  fire  going,  an-:  lime,     It 

terribly  lonely  that  dark  night,  i 

.  with  not  a  human  l>cin£  within  t 

•  ith    stra:-  J  ;hed 

:-i  fully  through  the 

:e^  uttered  sharp  barks  in  the  val  ''  in 

to  the  strange  lights   t  'nit  did  not  venture  mar  us, 

and  they  )»ad. 

i  i  knew  their  < 

nd  kept  the  fir- 

ie  of  the  '  ''Ut  he  s»  '  the 

it  he  uttered  his  dil 
aothcr  diro'-.ion,  not  VCOturil 
.  had  encountered  all  tin  -r  one   ni. 

i  as  I  thought  of  my  loneliness,  and   how  uncc; 

• 
I  seemed  : 

.ired   from  sight.  •'!  *  sob 

startled  me  so  much   that  I  brushed  the  from  my  eyes.     I  knew 

that  I  "'  *° 

nmed  a  sea-song,  to  kerp  u;i  my  spirits,  ami  the  unusual  noise  a 


:.  but  the  lad    mu>t 


Lewey  and  f. 


"  Thorn,  mon  cher  ami,  you  has  been  tear  sheddin',"  he  said.     "  You  deny 
it  not.     Unhappy  is  you." 

"It  is  a  trifle,"  I  answered.  "A  little  lonesome,  nothing  more,  old 
boy." 

rn,  and  much  sleep  take,"  the  generous-hearted  fellow 

«  De  vatch  vill  I  keep  till  daylight.  You  is  tired,  and  the  night  has  been  a 
hard  von  for  you.  But,  oh,  vot  booful  times  ve  is  habin'.  Did  you  ebber 
seed  anycling  like  dem?  So  much  better  den  bein'  on  vonoldship.dat 
smell  of  tar  and  vater  bilge."  » 

'•  Do  you  think  so,  Lewey  ?  " 

"  Do  I  dink  so  ?  Vy,  look  here,  ve  is  our  own  masters.  Ve  sees  de 
country.  Ve  meets  de  nice  adventures  all  de  time.  Von  girl  falls  in  love 
vid  you  today,  tomorrow  anuder  von  shins  up  to  me,  and  so  ve  goes  on,  and 
has  de  fun  all  to  ourselves.  Ah,  ve  is  habin'  much  good  times,  and  you 
don't  know  it.  Vy,  I  vould  n't  exchange  dis  life  for  anydin*  dat  you  can 
dink  of.  Now  you  lie  down  and  sleep,  as  I  has  had  de  booful  nap,  and 
no  more  si^hin1,  'cos  ve  skall  come  out  on  top  alvavs." 

He  words  inspired  and  made  me  forget  the  realities  of  my  position.     The 

:shed  from  my  eyes,  and  the  stars  and  constellations  looked 

;.eful  as  I  laid  my  head  on  a  saddle,  drew  a  couple  of  blankets 

ove:  •  and  th«  last  thing  I  heard,  aside  from  the  hooting  owls 

•I  the  coyotes,  was  the  stirring  hymn  of  the   Marseillaise,  as 

:  it  in  his  native  tongue,   between  puffs  of  tobacco  smoke.' 

When  I  awoke  the  horses  were  already  piquetted,  a  pot  of 

.  an  1  six  beautiful  trout  were  all  reac! 
the  hot  ashes.     My  friend  had  been  hard  at  work  since  da\ ': 

•reakfast,  and  getting  ready  for  an   early  start.      He 
xviti)  '  the  flsh>  and  said   that  he  was  a  natural-born  fisherman. 

a  c!  havc  taken  trout  from  that  stream,  there  were  so  man, 

•p  hole  I  h.i  1  nshcd  the  night  before. 

1  :lM  ri*ht  :nonnn'?f>  my  friend  asked,  as  I  got  up,  and 

itory  to  a  good  wash  in  the  clear  stream.    "  No 
de  bad  homesickness." 

r,  in  a  cheery  tone. 

a  booful  'time  ridin'  ober  de  mountain, 

•e.V  de   valley  and   ,!e  country,  oh,  for  so  m,ny  miles.     Ye  skall  b« 
i  de  clouds  at  some  nl.ices,  and  can   vash   our  faces   in   de   d,  w  if  ve 
vants  to,  and  de  ,r  fa  complex! 

And  so  the  lad  chatted  on,  wM_  Ulrica  that  I  was  dispirited,  but  the 


v  an^l  7. 


i.iv:-ght  had  brought  r«  un' 

Vt     i jie  >;  !  on  the  nerves  like  a  stimu- 

..n  the  base  of  the  mountains,  1 

. 

to  me 

,1.     Our  friend,  the  bear,  had  come  near  him  o:.  ->ne 

v  as  soon  as  fresh  f  led  on  the  flames,  and  once  or  twice 

.   the  mountain  lion,  and  10  blood 

wounds. 
We  :..>.  ..last,  and  were  lighting  our 

.  ...  :    >:  .   :      .  .  pyon  on 

our  ,  ..n.     Tin  r  n  of  the; 

.i,res.     They  looked  like  mil 
,  they  were  conceal- 
i  0:1  ly  judge  of  the  strar. 

-     ,.e  had  seen    worn  !•; 
•rnia. 

The  horsemen    'lid   noi  notice  us  for  the  first  fc\v  minutes  a: 
re  only  awakened  to  our  presence 
sitors  loo  .  .-v  that  t  - 

1  very  mi. 
intry.  and  we  nearly  choked  with  ' 

•  nv.ird  the  m  >uata 

;e  by  th 
:.iid,  and  that  there 

.vas  matle 
,»e  undertaken  if  n 
•  entrance  of  the  canvon  the  Mexicans 

-.as  they 

.     : 
!  a  blanket,  an  1  yelled  at  the  top  of  his  voice, — 

::h  in  thr 
•       i 

r    we  knew  a 

i  not  use  bv  t 


196  Lewey  and  I. 


reach  one  of  cv.ir  horses,  so  peacefully  v.id  th.it  was  something 

.  when  the  Mexicans  assumed  a  beligerent  .-. 
Jit,  both  of  us,  without  our  ritles,  showed  ourselves,  and 
e  shout  of,  — 

;os." 

horseman,  who  seemed  to  be  a  guide,  advanced  a  few  paces, 
and  said,  — 

••  If  \ cu  are  friends  come  toward  us  without  weapons.     If  you  attempt 
any  trick  we  will  shoot  you  down  like  <.:• 

We  thought  this  a  pretty  lively  threat,  considering  the  whole  party  were 
i.-rror,  for  fear  of  their  lives,  an  1  that,  if  we  had  been   so   dis 
posed,  by  the  aid  of  our  rifles  we  could  have  driven  all  hands   through   the 
;e,  pell-mell,   and   the  devil  take   the   hindmost,    for   they    would  have 
sniffed  Apaches  in  the  air,  and  that  was  enou^a  to  startle  a  whole  company 
of  soldiers,  make  them  break  ranks,  and  take  shelter  under  cover  of  the 
.  ks. 

unarmed,"  we  responded.     "  Have   no  fear.     There  are  only 
two  of  us  .  -    and  the  hitter  will  not  bite." 

••  A  Mexican  fears  nothing,"  the  spokesman  said,  a  little   proudly.     "  He 
ed  foe,  but  can  contend  with  one  if  there  is  need  to  risk 
50  much.     Who  are  you,  and  what  do  you  here  in  this  lonely  place  ?" 

"  We  are  young  men  journeying  to  Los  Angeles,  and  enjoying  the  coun 
try  through  which  we  pass.     There  are  no   Indians   near,  we  think,  so  you 
Come  and  cook  your   breakfast  by  our  fire,  as 
we  shall  soon  start  over  the  trail." 

1 .-  returned,  and  reported  to  the  leader  of  the  troop,  and  at  last 
aU  >v;  <posul  to  believe  our  assertion  that  we  were  rot  warlike.     But 

they  appro  u  h  autiously,  still  holding  their  carbines  in  their  hands, 

ami  Lhem  if   we   raised  a  finger  to  some   hidden  foe.     When, 

re  within  a  few  fathoms  of  us  we  recognized  several 
.own  while  members  of  the  crew  of  the  Admittance,  and 
amn  .  reneral  Miclneltoreno,  at  one  time  governor  of  the  St. .to,  and 

the  person  in  whoss  honor  a  fete  bad  been 

which  Lewey  and  I  officiated  in  a  grand  act  of  legerdemain,  and  then  1- 
a  most  wonderful  fiery  serpent,  that  all   who   beheld  it,  and  dis 

gusted  some. 

i  young  men  doing  here  ?  "  asked  the  general  a  little  stern- 
,y      u-j  United  States,  and  we  are  suipicious 

of  all  people  who  cannot  give  an  account  of  themselves." 


'97 


' 

All  i 

t,  their  horses  rcfu.  :i  it. 

M.  what  else  have  you  done  ?  :cr  he  had 

!iis  curiosity  about  the  I. 

"  \Vc  have  met  a  pa  aches  on  the  trail, 

nc..  \  ranche,"  my  French  friend  : 

•  ncounter. 

<»f  them?     You  speak  the  truth,  v 

"A  :  •'<  never  lies,  scuors.  '  was  th-  .•  .          .  and   a  look 

SU(-  <eral  put  on  at  one  ;  .cd  to  surrender  at  the 

r  loo. 

ned    so  remarkable   th.it  \\x  could  see  glar 
•  the  Mexicans.     Ti 
E    warriors,  and    then    cscap-- 
t^-  mo  salis,  the  effect  of  lively  iin.i-i'i;\t:  • 

"  Tlic  ins,  and  do  not  allow  muchachos  to  kill 

an  1 

.   men   with   rifles    in  their  hands, 
lestroyer!  it,  anr|    you   will  learn  the  truth    -. 
mchc,     We  are  not 
such  a  confident  tone   that 
tncr  .'ion  for  his  story. 

•Mrou-h  the  State  in  the  ,,>me  tinv 

iy  be  America- 
to  the  ctr 

r   way  to  the  Ranche  IMu-io  to  !,c  m  .in- 

then  every  Mexican  ju« 
extent,  M  -I  so  heartily  t 

";  ranting  you   j.  to    travel?"    the   gene 

denun 

<iener.il    '  ,te 

JNh 

•  mmcndii.  j  ,  of 

the  people  of  Los  Angeles.     In  addition  we  have 


Lewey  and  /. 


to  his  ti  lends,  the  Senors  Temple  and  Stenrns,  of  the  Pueblo,  so  you  see 
ot  sospechosos,"  and  as   Lewey  spoke  he  produced  all  the  docu 
ments  from  the  bag  which  held  them. 

.meed  over  the  letters  and  recommendations  of  the  alcalda, 
and   uttered  a  snort  of  contempt  when  Castro's  pass  was  examined.     He 
handed  all  back  to  us,  and  then  asked,  — 
"  Why  did  you  leave  your  ship?" 

"  We  were  attacked  by  the  smallpox,  and  compelled  to  remain  at  San 
Diego  for  fear  of  contagion  to  the  rest  of  the  people  on  board  the  vessel,'' 
Lewey  remarked. 

"  But  the  disease  did  not  leave  any  marks  on  your  face,"  the  general 
•aid. 

.  senor,  the  saints  be  praised,  our  beauty  was  spared."  and    Lewey 
uttered  the  words  as  though  he  believed  what  he  stated,  and  once  more  the 
;  :-d  with  laughter  at  the  impudence  of  the  boy,  he  was  so  calm 
and  cool. 

During  all  this  time  I  had  permitted  my  friend  to  carry  on  the  conversa 
tion  as  he  spoke  better  Spanish  than  I  could,  and  showed  what  he  claimed 
to  be, —  a  Frenchman,  — while  I  was  fear  ul  the  Mexicans  would  recognize- 
me  as  an  American  unless  I  held  my  tongue. 

"General,"  Lewey  said,  as  soon  as  the  laughter  had  subsided,  "  we  have 
met  you  many  times  in  Monterey,  and  yet  you  do  not  appear  to  recognize 
us.  When  you  first  took  the  office  of  governor  we  had  the  honor  of  giving 
a  performance  in  your  presence,  and  the  same  night  let  loose  a  fiery  ser 
pent  that  was  much  admired." 

-x-governor  and   his  friends  took  a  square   look  at  us,  and  then 

lize  our  faces,  for  all  grinned,  as  the  general  remarked,  — 
«Sa:-.  .  now  I  know  yo  i.     W.uit  a  fright  you  did  give  the  people 

.c  town  that  night.     I  hope  your  captain  punished  you  as  you  deserved, 
f  ,r  the  Y  '.is.     Why,  you  bad  boys,  even   1   had  to  dodge  my 

head  to  escape  being  sin  \ 

\    I    tumbled  over  a  chair  and  nearly  broke  my  neck,"  one  of  the 
officers  said. 

Hut  the  information  we  had  imparted  did  not  cause  any  ill  feeling,  and  in 

.ill  the  group  were  seated  around  the  fire,  and  cooking  break- 

fnr  which  were  unloaded  from  a  pack-horse.     We  were 

but  declined,  as  we  had  eaten  all  we  needed  before  the 

party  arrived. 

We  gave  the  genera'  all    the  information  we  were  able  about  the  route, 


Lewey  and  7.  *99 

and  the  Indians,  and,  while  some  of  the  peoj •',  ^ce 

their  stej-s   to  the   I'ueb'.o,  others   were  in   favor  of  -  •** 

possible  for  S  :  to 

the  Mexican  pojts  of  the  Gulf  ot  California. 
They  had  heard  that  the  journey 
diflicul'y  ami  danger,  with  but  few  residents,  and  tlu> 

dians  of  the  sandhills   and  seashore,  wit:-.  .tc-r,  inclined 

I  bu.incss  'he  attcn  . 

,;.s 

te   United-States    N  lhe 

ly  to  overha-.il  any  craft  th.it  api 
•n  the  officers  save  us  directions  how  to  pass  t. 
the  moun-  filiations,  we  saddled   our 

other  farew.1.!.     Whether  \'^  partj  ^  ver  succei 
:  ic  Gulf  of  California  I  never  knew.     It  is  a  joi  >uld  not 

ke  even   at   this   late   day,  for   the  danger  of  I  :   thirst 

is  too  great  to  be  undertaken  without  cache's  of   wate: 
itated  intervals. 

I  we  entered  the  dark  and  cold  canyon  of  the  mounta;  ived  our 

.  lifted  our  hats,  and   were   !  v  of  each  other.     The  sun  did 

not  pene.  ;  on  cither  side  of  us  arose  the  lure  and 

with    living    rills   trickling   from   the  seams,   and  in    s 
places  beneath  us  were  running  streams,  which  we  had   no  doubt  contained 
trout,  or  other  fish,  for  they  were  deep  and  cool  enough   for  a  pres 

a  mile  or  more  we  did  not  sec  an  animal,  so  \ve  expected  to  t 
conflict  with  «  :>e  what  a  lion  or  bear  would 

•o  eat  in  such  a  vast  and  sublime  solitude,  where  a  loud  v. 
ated  from  arc  to  gor^  ^ant 

l)nr  then  rolled  back  and  forth  until  the  cries  were  repeated 

,:  as  we  h  I  iy  uttered  them,  sharp  and  distinct.     I 

over  U5,  three  thousand  feet  at  least,  sailed  back  and  forth  scv  ea 

gles  for  a  brcakf.ist  on  the  surface  of  the  snow  or  the  hard  r- 

ready  to  pounce  on  a  r:  i  coyote,  and  uttcrir 

as  a'  swilt-winged  ha\\k 

.ht  at  the  an^cr  of  the  kini:>  and 

dung  to  :  ,or  on  the  trim' 

ftu  :ig  for  the  s 

penetrale  the  can;,;>r.,  .  I  them  into  life  an<l 

places  we  foi  so^tccp,  and  the  trail  so  narrow,  we  had  to 


200  Leiusy  and  I. 


.   and  f;ill  into  the 

'1  lie   must..  i!ie  walls,  but  showed  no  signs  of 

i,  and  had  a  hand  on  their  bridles. 
It  was  the  m  i  then    I    ( 

.Mist,  an   army  of  brave  soldiers,  for  a  nuin- 
..«wn   tlie  sides  of  ihe  mountain  would  ha\e  ere..: 

i  a  movement  on  the  ri<^ht  of  the  canyon,  and  a  rock 
:n  below.     \Ve  stopped  to  see  what  had  caused  : 
lod       :,  and  saw  an  immense  bear  perched  on  a  craig,  and  '. 
IS   \viili    \\is:i\il   eyes,  an.l   probably  mentilly  calculating  Lo\v  u. 
:eals  we  could  furnish.     When  he  saw  that   our  attention   was  at- 
led  he  picked  up  another  stone  and  sent  it  after  the  first  one,  and  opened 
lib  capacious  mouth,  and  actually  grinned  at  the  fun  he  w  is  having,  i".»r  the 
brute  looked  down  the  wall  of  rock,  saw  the  missile  sliike  the  water.  ihrow- 

.  iii-^li  in  the  air,  and  then  glanced  at  us,  as  if  to  ask 
of  the  sport.     We  shouted  back  our  applause,  and  the  brute  put  his  >i;. 
head  one  side,  and  listened  until  the  reverberations  died  away,  then  gro 
out  his  thanks  for  our  attention, aod  tried  another  stone.     We  were  tempted 
to  use  our  rifles  on  the  beast,  but  the  exhibition  he  had  afforded  us  was  too 
be  interrupted  by  a  us  »n  of  pain,  and  so  we  let  him 

When  we  'urncd  an  angle  of  the  canyon  tlie  bear  was  still  on  the 
spur  of   the  wall,  and  gazing  after  us  as  though   regretful  at  losing  such 
For  all   of  his  friend'y  expressions   ue  were  rather 
i  the  opposite  side  of  tl.  id  could  not  dispute  our 

:se  over  the  mountain. 

1      1 1  was  after  t  v  Ive  o'clock  when    we   emerged  from  the  canyon,  stood  on 

1    •  summit  of  the  mountain,  and  looked  at  the  landscape  l,i-!i«-ath  us.     F.^r 

on  our  left  were  the  bright  blue  waters   of  the  Pacific   Ocean,  ruffled  by 

the  strong  morning  breeze,  with  miniature  white  caps  all  along  the  shore, 

am;  i!es  distant  we  could   see  tl1.  !  of  Cataline, 

IVdro,  where  we  had  rarru-cl  many  a 

hide  on  our  h-ads  in  d  t,  '  "}>   hid  \\ith  heavy  i 

and  lumber,  and  curbing  the  men  who  1  u-  to  do  su'-h  h-u-d  work 

for  six  dollars  a  month.      I     would  n't  do  it  now   f->r  two  hundr.  d.     A' 
at  our  feet  were  fi  ;i  with  the  spring  rains,  and    one 

tiou  leased  me,  for  I  had    nevrr  seen    a   more    I.eanli'ul 

As   near  •  md  it,  the  place    that   I    thought  so  charmi; 

now  the  prosperous  little  town  OJ  for  its   fruits  and 


Lewey  and  I.  20 1 


/lowers,  and    :  _-ak  of  not  a  l.< 

;i   the  on-  of  head  of  cat 

j;  on  the  rich  j 

.  not  wit!, 
and  un.     Then  th-.-re  was  th- 

:       .       '.    :     •        i  ting  m 

.    miles  from   i  -vai  the  old  mission,  and 

ado'.  :    : -resell  tii. 

••vcr  in  tlie  Ian* 

i"  thousands  of  peons,  for  their  food  and  a  shir: 
the  government  confiscated   th  .  the  IndL 

.  -A  ho  fat 
tened  on  the  misfortunes  of  the  holy  The  latter  damned   th- 
•:res  went  on  j 

I  >uU  risk  all    t  i  the- 

^'iall  proba!.'l\  never  know  who  <jot  the  best  of  t; 
unk  ita  to   testify  on  one   side  or  the 

>    charming   that  Lewt-y  proposed  \ve  remain  wlv 
.  cook  our  dinner,  but  we  lud  noli.  t  coffee  and  ' 

. 
ban.'.  stream  close  by,  so  we  gladly  un> 

in   in   t '  .  s mshine,  and,  while   Lewey  started  a 

put  on  t:.  '  took  the  '.i>h-line.  and  went  in  si- 

t    but   a  1  ' 
cnoi;  most  gaudy  fly,  for  h  jumped  at  it 

re  pulled  from  t 
.       I    had    K  :t,  and  they  would  i 

more  than  both  of  D  .is  a  good  lunch,  a: 

it. 

';em  to  perfect!  on  sat  and 

.  -\v  of  tlu 

. 

I 

like  them. 


nd  I. 


on  the  bushes,  but  waited  until  we  had  gathered  a  ban  :!;en  barked 

em  until  i  is  demands  were  complied  with. 

•t  of  berries,  we  lighted  our  pipes,  and  smoked,  again  ad 
mired  the  country,  and  then  the  enthusiastic  Lewey,  who  was  a  lover  of  na 
ture,  could  not  restrain  his  happiness,  as  he  thought  of  the  dangers  we  had 
passed  through,  and  that  now  all  was  plain  sailing  before  us. 

!!,"  he  asked,  "  vot  does  you  clink  of  d>  -  ck  for  de  home 

lame  last  night  ?     Look  all  around  you.     Did  you  elx  :  -l«ng  like  it 

?     Ah,  how  happy  ve  should   be  dat  ve  is  here  and  not  on  1 
mean  old  snip.     1  could  smile  and  jump  in  de  air  I  feels  so  good.     In  a  few 
days  ve  jfcall  see  Anita  and    Engracia,  and   how  glad  dey  be  to  m> 
Den  all  de  trouble  ve  forgets,  and  ve  lives  and  dies  in  . 

:>ooks  all  say/' 

I  suppose  that  it  was  the  air  which  inspired  us,  for  we  did  y  and 

contented,  although  we  had  not  the  least  idea  where  we  were  going  to  stop 
when  we  reached  ihe  Pueblo.  But  we  expected  something  would  turn  up, 
And  did  not  despond. 

i-.vo  o'clock  we  saddled  our  horses,  and  resumed  our  journey, 
through    .  tst   herds  of  cattle,  and  once  ;  saw  a 

the  animals,  seeing  that  they  did   n<>: 
f.ir  from  the  usual  runs.     Those  we  met  did  not  pay  us  a 

n    we  drew  near  the   mission  of  'iel  we 

ere  cast  toward  us,  and   we  thought  the 

by  our  distinguished  appearance,  and  were  disposed  ta 

<  a  hospitable  welcome  after  our  lorg  and  d.  ver  thtf 

mountains. 

i   Los  Angeles  two  horsemen,  evidently  caballeros, 
:  us,  and  looked  our  mustangs  all  over,  as  if  admiring  them,  as 

:,  for  they  were  unexcelled  for  speed  and  beauty, 
io  you  come  from,  strangers  ?  "  they  a 
in  Diego,  senors,"  was  our  reply. 

"  Did  you  meet  many  people  on  the  road  ? ''  they  deman 
"Yes;  this  morning  we  encountered  General  Mic'.iacltorcno  and  his  suite, 
le  of  the  mountains." 

''  the  caballeros  demanded. 
Is  of  Apaches,  who  were  raiding  the  country,  and  st< 

.,  and  you  esrao'-c1  (rorn  *hem  '"  and  here  the  gentlemen 


tn,  or  be  !. 
would  not  i 
the  savages. 

•:  govern  me  in  coi:; 
next  question. 

-.irs.     We  saw  him  at  Tobias's  ranche,  a 
hoped  to  get  through  the  raiding  parties,  but  who  can  tell 
"  \Ve  see  that  one  of  you  is  mounted  on  his  i 

.•n  to  possess  it  ?  " 

41  liy  a  trade  and  purchase,  senors,"  \vc  ar. 

The  gentlemen   exchanged  glances,  but  ST.  '  in  we 

lit  that  we  would  ask  a  few  questions  i- 

-enors,  where  wi-  can    find   I 
reside:  a  letter  for  him  from  a  genticma  i 

"Certair'  :!ie  gracious   reply,  and   we 

street,  hundreds  of  people  looking  at  us  as  we  moved  a 
seemed  unusi 

e  halted  in  front  of  a  pretentious  hous,  tleman  on 

:.inda,  sn.  .rcttes,  and  se\  iiim  at 

once,  and  also  two  of  the  young  senoras,  for  • 
Admittance  several  times  while   we  were   I, 
Is. 

he   caballeros?  and  they  galloped  off,  after  tou 
sombreros  to  the  ladies,  and  making  their  horses  perform  wonderful 

•r  the  benefit  of  the  fair  sex. 
mounted  and  approached    the  ^entlcm.r.. 
some   decree  of  wonderment,  lor  he  die!   not 
did  the  young  la 

we  a  letter  for  ! 

the 

:  .  and   that   seemed  to  astonish  my  hearcr.v 

dressed   in   Mexican  costume,  and   burned   black  enou 
half-! 

y.  man  alive,  you  are  "  saiii  Mr. 

at  nv  .  m  ?" 

have  just  arrived,  vou  to 

direct  us  to  t  place  where  we  can  rem  lays'  rest.     We  have 

li 


204  Lewcy  and  L 


urney,  and  feel  tired,  for  we  have  fought   Apaches,  mountain 
5,  and  bears,  and  think  we  deserve  a  few  days  of 

••  Thj  djvil,  I  should  think  so,"  was  the  frank  exc'.ama'ion,  and  then  he 
turned  to  the  ladies,  and  explained  in  Spanish  what  1  lud  related.  The 
Rtor.  to  excite  general  interest,  for  the  wo.nei  all  uttered  the 

• 

"  Pobrecita  muchachos,"  and  crossed  themselves  at  the  name  of  the 
Apaches. 

Stearns  read  the  letter  from  Captain    Fitch,  and  then  looked  at  us, 
more  puzzled  than  ever,  as  he  said,  — 

';So  you  two  young  men  were  on  board  the  Admittance,  i?     1 

recollect  you  now.  But  what  fools  you  are  to  stop  in  this  country  just  as  a 
and  every  American  is  hated,  except  the  old  residents.  And 
you  think  of  getting  married,  my  friend  writes  me.  Well,  well,  this 
little  too  rich,  upon  my  word,"  and  the  gentleman  laughed  until  the  tears 
came  into  his  eyes,  and  then  very  correctly  translated  my  story,  and  the 
contents  of  the  letter. 

But  the  ladies  did  not  laugh.  They  thought  it  was  a  little  too  romantic 
for  anything,  as  they  expressed  it  in  a  terse  way,  and  warm  words  of  ap 
proval  of  our  course  were  uttered.  A  woman  always  sympathi/cs  with  par 
ties  about  to  wed,  and  the  poorer  the  match  the  more  congratulations  they 
bestow.  So  as  soon  as  the  young  women  heard  that  we  were  in  love,  and 
wanted  wives,  their  hearts  were  in  a  flu'ter. 

"  Let  them  remain  with  us,"  they  cried  with  one  accord.  "  We  will  teach 
them  Spanish  so  that  they  can  converse  with  their  future  mates.  It  must 
be  awful  not  to  understand  what  a  lover  says." 

I  did  not  utttr  a  word  of  the  tongue  they  were  conversing  in,  not  wishing 
to  break  tht  apfll  of  a  good  impression. 

"  Well,  have  it  your  way,"  the  gentleman  said.  "They  are  not  our  kind 
of  company,  but  we  will  take  care  of  them  in  some  manner,  and  give  them 
enough  to  eat." 

Then  he  called  a  peon  to  take  our  horses,  and,  as  we  removed  our  j  ack- 
s  to  the  rear  of  the  house,  I  looked  down   the  street,  and  saw    the  daik 
e  of  Don   Antonio  Sanchos,  our  worst  enemy  in  all  California,  and  the 
last  person  we  desired  to  see  at  that  time,  as  we  supposed  he  was  in    Mon 
terey,  and  could  no  longer  trouble  us. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

BOS     MAKES     IT     UM'LI.A.sANT,    AND   ACCUSES   US   <J9 
MLH.  KIER.  — T  ALABOZO.  —  AN 

: 

\,     AM)      I 

HURKli:U    MA:  UAIIHAKA. 

HO,  AND  (> 

WOMAN. 

j  •  tat  I  diii  not  feel  comfortable  when  I  saw  t 

:  .          Antonio  Sunchos,  the  m.~.;i  who  had  per 

il  San  Dici;«»,  and  by  whose  orders  we  had  beea 
din  tlie  calabozo,  a  i  to  sign   matriculador  papers,  and  de- 

>:i  of  bec<  \-icancitizcns.     We  th<>  easer 

.  .th  his  disreputable  brothers *and  folK  ere  we 

had  u:.  I  some  prospect  of  a  fi«jht  between  forces 

uud  tl  '1  under  Fremont.     But  the  scoundrel 

ne  time  we  noticed  him.     We  would  have  avoid 

is  too  late,  SO  were  not  surprised  when  the  fellow 
halted  in  from  of  Mr.  Steam's  house,  and  addressed  the  proprietor. 

.-.id,  "  two  young  men,  one  of  them  French  and   the  other 
just   arrived  in   town   from   San    Die^o,  and  arc   on  your 

•f  it  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Stearns,  with  scant  civility,  for  he  did  not 
»  the  most  familiar  terms  with  the  visitor. 

r,     I  want  tho^  nen  a*  nv.  ri,     I  claim 

:   the  law  «  echosos,  aa  enemies  of  the  repul> 

:,  aud   iiicrc  was  a  vraii  from  the  ladies  at  the 


Lewey  and  /. 


words,  aa  thej  bought  of  a  wedding  being  postponed,  and  happiness 

stro 

was  the  reply  of  our  host.     "The  boys  are  all  right,  and  I 
xvii:  •  tlicm-     I  have  known  them  for  years,  and  they  never  had  the 

intention  of  injuring  the  republic.     Go  your   way,  Don  San 
t  them  alone." 

The  senor  is  not  aware  perhaps  that  I  am  the  agent  of  the  government, 
and    have    the   power   of  making  arrests    when    I   will?"    the 
asked. 

I  know  all  that,  but  don't  abuse  those  powers,  Don  Sancho 
the  same  ;•  arty  that  made  can  quickly  unmake  you,  and    I    have  a  In 
fluence  at   Monterey  with  the  governor  and   Don   Pio  Pico,"  Mr.  Stearns 
re  ma 

"  I  know  the  senor  is  powerful,  and  that  his  wealth  is  great,  but  all  that 
will  not  orevail  when   it  is  known  that  I,  the  representative  of  the  State, 

n  ill-treated  by  the  muchachos,  imprisoned  by  their  mean 
wounded  by  a  gun  which  they  fired  at  me,  and  that  my  brother  Carlos 
hafi  .-plitopcnby  the  desperados.     Think  of  the  wrongs   I   i. 

suffered,  and  then  imagine  if  I  can  forgive  them." 

w  is  this?"  asked  our  host,  and  the  ladies  looked  at  us  in  wonder, 
thin  ^re  a  little  worse  than  the  wild  Apaches  they  had  heard' 

so  much  about,  while  at  the  same  time  they  were  disposed  to  admire  u^ 
all  that  we  had  done,  as  women  like  bold  deeds,  even  if  they  are  not  <i 
high-ton L-d  and  honorable. 

Mr,  Steams  seemed   disposed  *o  demand  an  explanation,  Lewcy,  as 
the    most    fluent   talker,    stepped    forward,  removed   his    hat,    bowed  ? 
•ich  politeness  to  the  ladies,  smiled  one  of  his  most  fascinating  smi 
i  as  he  knew  would  touch  the  female  heart,  and  commenced  th- 
our  •  the  hands  of  Don  Sanchos,  and  in  go< 

'.  comprehend  what  he  said. 

re  in  love,"  he  began,  and  at  the  words  the  lad! 
h'm-  re  were  discharged  from  our  ship,  sick  wiih  B 

:  would  terminate  our  young  and  innocent  lives  "  (Lev. 
ful   •  ''hen  disposed  to  ihirk  the  truth,  and 

-'ret  wns  •  ould   not  live,  and  man  we 

K  hed  to  at  Ranche  ! 

pretty  girls  sobbed,  and  wi;.ed  the  tea:  Ti:e 

romance  was  affecting  them. 

"  But  the  good  saints,  under  ^whpse  watchful  care  we  recovered,"  and 


Lewey  and  I.  207 


fcere  the  l.J  crossed  himself  in  true  Cathol  willed  thr 

to  pass  our  i!  voted  hus 

jeaiiiiful   ladies    than   any  quarter  of   the   globe.     ' 
;n!ry,  nv;  ;  nia  in  lr.. 

:erican  friend  ;  .ys  that  the  United 

i   of  the  repu 

'.ike  a  garden   of  ro 

rain,  ai  '  me  i:i  a  manner  th.it  I  understood,  f»r  I  r. 

in  acq\  .o  all  that  he  had  stated. 

The  elderly  women   smiled  as   they  thought   of  <1  the 

b    they  had  possessed,  and  represent. 

it  each   other,  and  seemed  to  come  to  the  i 

n  of  discernment  and  good  : 
;ch  circumstances  it  is  no  wonder  we  desired  to  remain  here," 

.    '  but,  while   we  were  making   preparation 
so  dearly  love,  this  man,  Don   Sanchos,  appeared  . 

•>echosos." 
the    State/'   interrupted    the    greaser. 

'.  -,vey,  not  noticing  therema:'-.  »se  at 

;red  him  for  insulting  two  la  '  co." 

kCbOS,'1    murnv:red   the  i^iils.  and  glanced   at   is - 
iere  their  sympathies  were. 

rht  hand,  where  the  vivi  : 
the  point  of  a  boat-hook,  as  he  said,  — 

•:eatment  that  I  received  at  the  hands  of  th 
•  for  nothing.     I  h  to  remember  it,  an  shall.'* 

'.   our  inv.-ris.inment  in  the  c 
:o  marked. 

,-  love  for  /^hter,  and  s-vearin. 

ing  i!  .inches. 

The  ladies  looked    a  little  shocked,  as  th-  had  never  heard  ot 

such  t! 
not  in  the  least  dismayed.     He  remained  cool,  an.!  :o  take  ad« 

c  best  p< 

"\\>  cv.riM-.l-d   in  the  keeper's  daughter,  and  told  her  that  we  were  to  be 
1.  that  our  hearts  were  true  to  those  we  loved,  but  scorned  to  tell  a 


2O3  Lt  wty  and  I. 


it    we   fancied  her   when  such  was  not  the  case,''  my  fries. 
i  Sanelu  i  an  incredulous  manner,  just  as  though  he  could 

it.     "  The  young  lady  did  not  let  us  out  of  our  cell,  but  when  we 

n  escape  was  possible." 

My  friend  was  determined  to  shield  the  girl,  even  at  thee\  |  truth, 

feared  she  might  suffer  for  what  she  had  clone  in  our  behalf. 

Eorc  the  ladrones  escaped  they  bound.  .  me  in 

•11  which  they  had  occupied.     Besides  that  their  confounded 

•i.uled  Sanchos,  and  the  ladies  did  not  seem  to  feel  much  pity 
for  his  misfortunes.  In  fact,  the  man  commenced  stripping  up  the  bottom* 
of  his  slashed  trousers  to  show  where  Jack  had  fastened  his  teeth,  but  sud 
denly  recollected  that  the  ladies  would  not  be  interested  in  old  st . 

trained. 

.?,  that  was  wrong,"  Mr.  Stearns  said,  but  he  looked   as  though  he 
•  grieve  verv  deeply  for  the  part  we  had  played.     '•  The    sen*.; 
agent  of  the  government,  and  should  have  been  treated  with  respect.     How 
ever,  that  is  all  settled  now,  I  hope.     I  will  be  security  tor  the  young  men's 

rood  behaviour  as  long  as  they  remain  at  Los  Angeles." 
owed  our  thanks,  and  looked  our  gratitude. 

the  way,"  Mr.  Stearns  asked,  "did  n't  I  hear  something  about  one 
of  you  lads  being  offered  a  commission  as  midshipman  on  the  sloop-of-war 
Ceynne  ?  " 

"  It  was  my  friend,  Thorn,  sir,"  answered  Lewey,  before  I  could  deny  the 
report.     "  He  is  rich,  and  has  lots  of  money,  but  loves  California  more  than 

me." 

Lewey  was  the  most  wonderful  boy  I  ever  met  for  ready  answers,  and 
some  of  them  were  not  always  true,  I  regret  to  say.     But  he  never  blushed 
when  telling  an  untruth,  as  he  looked  honest  and  confiding,  with  th 
of  sincerity  shining  from  his  blue  eyes. 

The  ladies  were  delighted  with  the  answer.     In  their  estimation  I  was  no 
a  common   sailor,  but  a  caballero,  a  gentleman  of  means,  and  their 
t    in   me    increased,    although    they   might    have   had    some 
thoughts  that  I  was  throwing  myself  away  on  a  poor  girl   when  there   were 
so  many  rich  ones  who  desired  husbands,  and  wealth  at  the  same  time. 
"Now,  Don  Sanchos,  go  your  way,"  Mr.  Stearns  said.     "  I   wi.l  see  that 
oung  men  are  looked  after,  and  taken  care  of.     Let  us  have  no 
more  trouble.     They  have  come  to  me   highly  recommended,  and    I   under 
stand  that  they  also  have  a  letter  for  Mr.  Temple  from  my  ohl  fiien  ' 
tain  Fitch." 


and  I. 

.  Sanchos  did 
He    ,  .ic    man--  rubbed    his  DO  IM,  a 

,,nsare  q  would  be  satisfactory, ' 

.vcrnmcnt  I  have  a  more  serious  charge  to  . 
•  men,  and  even  you,  senor,  will  not  uphold  them  in  what  they  h 

.dered  what  the  greaser  referred  to,  and  en  what  track  he  I 

.  come,  don't  let  us  have  any  more  charg,  .team,  cried. 

.  nigh  for  one  cL  .' and  the  ladies  all 

a  men  to  the  words. 

lor,  that  I  cannot  yield  to  your  wishes,"  Sanchos  said,  a. 
d  his  hand  in  a  peculiar  manner,  and  up  the  i 
nen  moving  and  in  the  crowd  we  recognized  Carlos  - 
-oumlrclasliis  brother. 
.nishment  he  felt. 
M  young  men/'  the  greaser  said,  as  he  stepped 

crime  of  numi 

I  an  exclamation  of  horror  from  the  ladies,  and  wonder  and  • 

What  did  the  fellow  mean  ?     Was  this  some  new  d 
.^ower,  and  punish  us  ? 

yourself,  senor."  Mr.  Stearns  cried.    «  These  are  serious  words. 
He  \  you  trifle  with  tlv 

ght   matter,  senor,"  the  greaser  remarked,  in  a 
mint  ,,f  these  young  men  has  in  his  possession   the 

,  the  courier.     He  was  due  here  y  yet  no  wor 

;m.     It  is  rumored  in  town  that  the  ranch-  -en  n 

derr  :,,m  San  Die-o,  and  that  these  boys  committed  \ 

on  of  the  horse.     Look  at  the  brands  on  the  ani 
,  will  see  that  they  are  Pedro's.     There  is  no  r, 
-•ear  to  them.   They  know  the  caballo  well. 
!  these  men  have  for  making  way  with 
his  despatches,  and  give  them  to  the  enemies  of  th 

of  the  lav- 
of  the  State  ot 

Tin-  ,)odof  tor 

OUI 


2  TO  Lewey  and  I. 


I  did  so,  but  spoke  in  English,  as  my  Spanish  failed  me  in  my  eagerness 
>\v  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case. 

.-re  at  Tobias's  ranche,"  I  said,  "after  we  had  kil.ed   three 
.  es  "(here   Sanchos  smiled,  as  much  as  to  say  thai 

iderstood  a  little   English)  "the   courier  arrived   with 
despa:  the  alcalda  of  San  Diego.     He  was  piqued  with  our  bra  vary, 

and  commended  us  in   warm   terms,  and,  because  I  admire;!  his  1m: 
make  an  exchange  with  me,  I  paying  him  eight   reals    in 
r  the  animal.     Senor  Tobias,  the  owner  of  the  ranche,   for  the   grati- 
ie  felt  because  we  had  saved  the  life  of  his  daughter,  made  my  friend 
Lewey  a  present  of  the  caballo  he  rode.     You  can  see  the  mar, 
large   T   in   a  circle.     This   is  oar  defence,  and  is  the   truth,  so  h 
God." 

"I  believe  you,"  .\K  St.-arns  said,  in  all  sincerity,  and  then  he  related 
the  story  I  had  told  to  Sanchos  and  the  ladies,  and  the  generous  females 
were  delighted  when  he  came  to  that  part   whereby  a  girl   was  \ 
the  Indi.ms. 

is  the  lie  of  a  gringo,"  the  greaser  remarked.     "  It  will  not 
me.     The  young  men   stand  charged  with  murder.     Until  they  can  prove 
that  Pedro  is  alive  they  must  be  kept  in  prison.      Let  no   man  keep  in  my 
way,  or  the  worse  for  him.     In  the  name  of  the  law  I  arrest  them." 

The  ladies  uttered  a  series  of  shrill  screams,  but  after  they  had  been  si 
lencecl  Mr.  Stearns  asked,  — 

'•  \Vi:i  you  accept  security  for  the  appearance  of  the  young  men  tomor 
row  before  the  alcalda  ?  '' 

>r.     To  the  calabozo  they  must  go;  and  await  certain  events/' 
was  the  answer. 

i  see,  boys,    I   have    done  all  that   I  can  for  you,"  our  host  said. 

"  The  man  has  the  power  to  arrest  you.     The  charge  is  a  serious  one,  but  I 

it  will  be  disproved.     I  will   be  present  before  the  court  tomorrow, 

and,  in  company  with  Mr.  Temple,  do  what   I  can    to  confound  your  ene- 

>ii)le,  and  look  for  the  best  result- 
assured  you  s',  i'n't  .^tirve  while  in  prison." 

'•  Will  you  permit  us  to  k>  ive  our  property  here  until  w1  are  acquitted  or 
sentenced?"  I   asked.     "Our  rifles,  knives,  and   pistols,  horses  and  blan- 
•  should  find  it  hard  work  to  replace  th 

>s  on  that  point,"  our  host  >ai-l.     "I  v  ' . 

that  all  are  taken  care  of,  and  restored  to  you  as  soon  as  free,  which  I  hope 
vill  be  in  a  few  days." 


Lewey  and  I.  21 1 


I  remar  >on  of- 

• 

It  the  ani'v 

command  him  to  do  so.     II 

:  .uvarc  tin:  •••.me  h.is  overtaken  us.     You  caa  tell  ' 

his  lo< 

•    turn.      Do  you  h< 

He  did  hear,  but  a  look  of  deep  dejection  passed  ov  ; 
and  he  ik  th.it  we  woui •'. 

not  fort!  i,  and  did  not  offer  to  > 

moved  from  the  house,  escorted  by  the  bodyguard  ent  of  the 

State.     Then   he  raised  his  head,  and   uttered  a  prolonged  h.» 

one  of  the  ladies  patted  his  veil  at  the 

same  i. 

Our  through   the  main  street  was  quite  an  event  for  the  sleepy 

little  t  uvcned  from  their   usu.il   af:erno.> 

Us,  and  were  r-.  ^olves  b.  .  at    the  d  on  the 

which  \ve  were  accused  was  repe./  :noulh 

is  all  had  not  heard  our  defence,  we  wet 
to  be  guilty,  and  th  >:ne  talk  of  hanging  or  shoot: 

out  ii=  I   really  believe  that    1)  o.i    Sanchos  w,> .1!  ;  :i  only 

too  delighted  had  such  action  occurred  on  the  part  of  the  populace,  the 
:  :v  of  whom  were  none  too  good  for  such  lawlessness,  but  the  best 
ptople  were  j  ; 

.vcr,  when   we  were  half   way  to  the  calabozo.  ' '  Yearns  and 

Temple  a;  the  scene,  and  their  presence  seemed  to  have  a  bene 

ficial  c  our  fortunes,  for  the  peupie  kept  at 

better-disposed  women  saiii  that  we   were   "pobreciu 

woul.l  pardon  us. 

1  wonder  if  th.it  old  calabozo  is  still  in  existence  in  Los  A  Prol> 

ably  the  march  of  improvement  has  been  the  means  of  erect 
itone  prison  instead  of  an  adobe  one,  where  refractory  I::  c  con- 

icrs  were  locked  up  after  an  extensive  at  ; 
•  rum,  or  aguardiente. 
:iiend   Lc  ne,  the  last  time  I  saw  him  at  Cherbourg,  some 

Angeles  in    1854,  his  5! 

;  that  he  saw  the  same  place  in  which  we  were  confined,  and  en 

tered  the  room  whcu   we  were  kept  as  prisoners,  and  that  all  remained  as 


Lewey  and  I. 


clu    ou    no  one  would  believe  that  the  polite  naval  officer  had   ever  been 

IOCK  and  key  in  the    Pueblo,  even  Stearns  and  Temule  re- 

•  recognize  the  captain  as  the  poor  bov  who  had  claimed  their  pro- 

some  years  before,  and  he  had  to  mention  manv  particulars   of  cer- 

tam^transactions   before   he   was  credited   with  being  one  and  the  same 

"•ere  escorted  to  the  calabozo  with  a*  much  , 

sistent  with  men  who  would  like  to  have  sold  us  our  fr<  ,   a  small 

>um,  provided  Don  Sanchos  was  willing     uut,  as  he  cared  more   for  ven- 

than  money  just  at  that  time,  his  gang  did  not  dare  to  make  any  op- 
position  to  his  wishes. 

Luckily  for  us  there  was  no  inmates  of  the  prison  at  the  time,  so  we  had 
the  fleas  and  odors   to  ourselves,  and,  after  the  keeper  ha  I  turned  the 
i  us,  and  then  went  home  to  get  his  supper,  we  had  an  opportunity  to 
2  talking  and  consulting.     Lewey 's  confidence  never  left  him.    'lie 
s  jaunty  and  self-possessed  as  a  man  who  could  command  instant  lib- 
ion  m  case  he  desired  it.     I  think  that  much  of  the  elan  was  put  on  for  the 

I  making  me  feel  more  comfortable  and  at  ease. 

We  were  about  to  light  our  pipes,  and  have  a  quiet  smoke,  when  the 
keeper  of  the  prison  returned  to  us  in  hot  haste,  and  brought  some  food 
ee,  and  fruit,  and  said  that  we  were  to  be  made  comfortable  regardless 
expense,  and  forthwith  he  produced  half  a  dozen  blankets  a  light  and 
blocks  of  wood  for  pillows,  and  when  we  inquired  ,vho  had  been  so  kind  he 
nnned,  and  showed  us  a  Mexican  dollar,  which  proved  that  some  one  had 
ribcd  him  to  look  after  our   welfare.     We   had   no  doubt  but   that  Mr 
teams  and  his  family  were  acting  with   energy  in  our  behalf,  and   did  not 
intend  that  we  should  starve  or  suffer  if  they  could  prevent  it. 

ir  situation,  and  confessed  that  it  was  not  a  comfortable 

«me  in  case  Pedro  did  not  turn  up,  or  was  found  murdered  on  the  trail,  and 

and    circ.vned   of  the  Admittance,   surf,    hide-drpghlng, 

nc  women,  and  when  we  awoke  the  j.iilor  brought  us  *  cal* 

watcr  frr  ,ent 

to  escort  us  to  the 

:eof!  "all  of  justice  a 

peculate  OB  the 

crime 

Amo:  we  had  seen  the  day  be- 

•re,  and  each  of  them  t  smile,  while  Messrs.  Stearns  and  Temple 


Lewey  and  /. 


came  to  us,  and  exch  They  said  that   they 

-i  to  ask  for  a  continuation  of  the  case  until  another  day,  in  hope 
'  would  turn  uj>  iro. 

ikla  had  taken  his  .sc.it.  a  lav.  _  acd  to  act 

for  the  government,  stated  the  case  in  very  <•' 
-ty  of  the  crime,  and  then   Mr.  Temple  put   in  a  few  wor 
He  had  kno.vn  us,  he  said,  as  honest,  hard-working  bo 

would  commit  murder.     One  of  us   was  an  American  i 
and  tlu-  e  of  France,  different  from  the  usual  run   01 

:o  call  their  home. 

Don  Antonio  S  ••  iiispcred  a  few  wor 

.ernment,  and  the  la  .  — 

14  These  voting  men  are  no  longer  cit  France  and  the  perfidious 

>u!)jccts  of  Mexico,  for  they  \ 

thus  tak:  .  :  steps    to  be  naturali/.ed.     \Vc    :       ' 

.>  with  oui  intrymen.*' 

..sked  Mr.  Stearns,  turning  to  us. 
;r  prompt  ans. 
ievil's    name    did    you   do   that   1 


were  in   love,  and    wanted  to  get  marrie •:.' 
•ly. 

the   cheerful    response.     "  D 

:>posed  it  I  .  ht." 

.ist  to  luck,  an 
i-n    ttirmii 
' 
' 

vious  to  become  citizens 
il  to  the  j  ; 

:ie  reason- 
!  the  question,  alth« 
r  at  the  time. 
11  'A'cll,  it  seems  t! 

ild  not  be  performed  unless 
tions  to  i 

, 


214  Lewey  and  I. 


cnce,  and  smiles  and  blushes  on  the  part  of  the  ladies.     The  latter 
1°°^  :  i'=it  our  ambition  a  notable  one,  something  that 

should  be  commended,  instead  of  ridiculed. 

have  to  ask  for  a  continuation  of  the  case,"  Mr.  Stearns  said 
"Let  the  matter  lay  over  lor  a  few  days,  and  perhaps  the  courier  will  turn 
up  all  right." 

"  We  can  .-.ule  the  subject  at  the  present  time  just  as  well  as  thot:  \ 
waited  a  the  advocate  for   the  government  said.     ••  California  now 

j.     Monterey  is  threatened  by  the  United  States.     Already  a 
horde  of  robbers  and  murderers  has  invaded  the  territory.     We  must  d 
them  back  to  the  mountains,  or  po'ute  our  soil  with  their  graves.     Let  the 
young  men  volunteer  for  the  army,  and  the  case  will  be  instantlv  closed." 

:  the  lads  did  not  matriculador  for  any  such  purpose,"  Mr.  Stearns 
remarked.  "  If  there  is  any  lighting  to  be  done  they  prefer  to  do  it  after 
they  are  married,"  which  candid  remark  produced  a  laugh  from  the  men, 
and  a  pout  from  the  women,  the  unmarried  ones  looking  quite  spiteful. 

"  Let  the  prisoners  decide  the  question,"  the  alcalda  said.  "  They  are 
old  enough  to  choose  between  imprisonment,  or  freedom,  and  the  gaycty  of 
a  soldier's  life." 

"  Vot  skall  ve  do  ? "  whispered  Lewey,  but,  before  I  could  answer  the 
question  by  an  indignant  refusal,  there  were  murmurs  of  astonishment,  and 
then  came  a  c.iorus  of  voices,  and  the  cry  of,  — 

'•El  correo,  el  correo,"  and  pushing  through  the  crowd  we  saw  the  mus 
cular  form  and  handsome  face  of  Pedro,  the  government  courier,  the  man 
^ve  ;  it  Tobias's  ranche,  and  with  whom  I  had  exchanged  horses, 

and  paid  a  little  to  boot. 

Antonio   Sanchos  did  not  look  happy  when  he  saw  Pedro's 
known  face,  and  his  eyes  showed  some  of  the  disappointment  he  felt  as  the 
icr  sauntered  forward,  and  stood  in  front  of  the  alcalda.      Every  one  in 
the  room  knew  the  ranchero,  and  all  were  glad  to  welcome  his  return  except 
our  enemies. 

Mr.  Temple,  a  smile  on  his  face,  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  addressed  the 
alcalda. 

"  Senor,"  he  said,  "  here  is  the  caballcro  who  was  supposed  dead,  and 
whom  th  _'  men  were  accused  of  murdering.  Let  him  be  put  on 

the  stand,  and  questioned.     You   and    I  and  every  one  present  know  him 
well,  and  are  sure  of  his  truthful  character." 

"  Si,  si, "was  heard  all  over  the  room.  "  Let  the  correo  speak,  and  tell 
As  what  he  knows  of  the  young  men," 


Lewey  and  /.  215 


But  Pedro  did  not  seem  to  take  heed  of  the  murmurs.  He  looked 
around  upon  the  audience  as  though  he  did  not  quite  1  what  the 

ill  about,  and,  as  his  eyes  roamed  here  and 

fell  on  i,  and  a  smile  lighted  up  his  count  \  :k  eyes,  as 

he  sprang  toward  us,  and  seized  our  hands,  giv  almost 

made  the  tears  start,  and  then  patting  us  on  the  backs  with  both  hands 
shouted,— 

*•  Amigos,  amigos,  como  se  va?  "  or  in  English,  "  Friends,  friends,  how 
do  you  do  ?  " 

There  was  a  great  shout  from  the  audience,  an  1  the  !es  looked 

ai  though  they  wanted  to  kiss  us,  and  we  felt  so  pleased  that  we  would 
have  willingly  cast  aside  our  timid  modesty  for  the  time  being,  and  con 
sented  to  the  embrace. 

"Do  you  know  these  young  men?"  asked  the  alcalda,  as  soon  as  the 
noise  had  in  some  degree  subsided. 

;,  senor,"  Pedro  replied,  in  a  loud  tone  so  that  all  could  hear. 
ate  what  you  know  about  them,"  was  the  command. 
"  One  moment,  senor.     I  am  a  government  correo,  and  must  deliver  my 
despatches  before  I  answer  any  questions,  or  talk  on  matters  that  do  not 
concern   the  publl'  welfare.     Here  are  papers  and  letters  from  the  alcalda 
of  San  Diego.     I  h.ive  just  arrived  from  that  town,  and  come,  to  your  court 
to  deliver  my  messages.     I   was  not  aware  that  my  two  friends  were  under 
arrest.     I  know  not  'or  what.'' 

The  rourirr  placet  in  the  alcaMa's  hand  a  bag  containing  the  documents, 
and  the  official  glanced  over  the  papers,  but  made  no  comment  as  he  read 
them,  yet  the  ne  is  it  announced  plans  for  the  war,  antf 

preparations  for  a  vigorous  defence. 

nor  correo,"  sai  1  the  alc.iM.i  with  a  sigh,  as  he  read   the   news, 
and  rea!i/-d  what  the  result  m  \ill  please  take  t:u 

•a  know  about  these  young  men." 

••  \Ve  have  no  desire  to  hear  the  correo,  senor,"  the  government  attorney 
*  \Ve  are  satisfied  that  no  murder  has  been  comm  with- 

ie  charge." 

.  no,"  came  from  all  parts  of  the  room.     "  Let  the  correo  speak  at 
once." 

for  the  reputation  of  the  *orreo 

."  Mr.  Stearns  cried.     "  They  have  told  their  s 
:ro  tell  his,  and  we  shall  see  if  they  a^rcj  in  their  account 
meeiinz." 


i  L 

<  on,  1'edro,"  ordered  th  the  youn- men 

befon 

s,  senor." 

"  Where  did  you  first  encounter  I 

"At  the  ranche  of  Tobias,  fifteen  miles  or  more  f.om  San  Diego,  where 
they  had  remained  over  night." 

are  friendly  to  the  young  men  ?  ''  was  the  next  question. 
,:ias   Dios,  I  should  think  BO.     They  saved  my  lite,   and   that 
young  girl,  Florencia,  the  daughter  of  the  r.mchero." 

"In  what  manner?"  and  all  the  people  in  the  room  leaned  forward  ;.i 
catch  every  word  that  Pedro  uttered,  as  he  answered  the  question. 

"The  senors   had  started  on  their  journey  for  this  place,  but  met  on  the 

road  the  Senorita  Florencia,  who  was  looking  for  the  e-.  ,:ls.     While 

exchangin- salutations  with  her  on  the  trail,  a  hand   of  four  Apache   warri- 

irst  from  the  chapparel,  and  rode  toward  them,  wiih  the  intention  of 

making  a  prisoner  of  the  girl  and  killing  the  caballeros." 

At  this  stage  of  the  story  the  young  girls  uttered  sobs,  and  the  elderly 
ladies  crossed  themselves,  and  said  shor 

ie  men  would  have  turned  their  horses'  heads  and  fled,"  the  correo 
continued,  "but  not  so  my  friends.  They  said  to  eac-i  other,  •  We  will 
save  the  young  girl,  or  die  for  her.'  '' 

Here  there  were  ripples  of  applause,  and  the  ladies  flushed  bright  glances 
as   though    we    were   real    heroes,  and   for   a    noment  forgot  their 

"  Go  on,  and  tell  us  what  was  the  result,"  the  alcald  i  commanded. 

"  As  the  murdering  devils  of  Apaches  charged  on  the  young  men,  they 
dismounted,  told  the  girl  to  make  her  escape  with  their  horses,  and  stood 
their  ground,  and  fired." 

S,"  cried  a  dozen  voices.     "  Go  on  and  tell  us  the  balance  of  the 

:•'•" 

.o  of  the  cruel  thieves  fell,  and   the   third  was  also  shot  as  he  ad 
vanced.     The  fourth  Apache  was  killed  s  just  as  he  was  about  to 
\e  Florencia.     None    of  the  wild   Indians  were  alive  when  I  arrived 
few  hours  after  the  battle." 
is  the  ver.iict  of  the  people. 
"  I  Jut   how  do   you  make   it  that   the  young   men   saved    your    life?* 

:hc    district    of  San 
If  the  young  men  had  not  been  present  they  would  have  killed  -ae. 


1T7 


!  hey  were  concealed  in  the  chaj  ; 

all  !  couKl  not  have  protected  myself  against  the  sudden  at- 

»r  this  reason   I  say  that  I  am  indebted  for  my  life  to  the  senors. 
e  them  muchos  gracias." 

The  aiulience  gave  expression  to  their  joy  by  a  loud  hands, 

i  \\avcd  rich  fans,  and  looked  pleased  at  the  result,  so  unex- 
I    pected  to  all. 

v  did  you  happen  to  let  the  young  men  possess  your  horse?"  the 

-,oon  as  the  confusion  had  subsided. 

.  blushcJ  a  little,  and  looked  abashed  for  a  mom  at      I  ben 
I,  anil  said.  — 

caballo  was  tired,  and  I  needed  a  fresh  and  fast  horse  to  run  the 

*    gauntlet  of  the    wild  Indians.     The  senor  liked  my  animal.     I  favored  his, 

as  I  knew  that  it  could  travel  faster  than  mine,  when  properly  managed.      I 

:•_•,  and  received  eight  reals  to  boot.     I  :   bar- 

I    gain  for  me,  but  if  the   senor  is  dissatisfied  I  will  return  him  the  money," 

is  point  the  audience  laughed,  and  nodded  to  each  other,  as  much 

as  to  sr.y  Pedro  was  a  sharp  one,  and  no  mistake. 

"  The  horse  is  government  property,  and  the  correo  had  no  i 
•,ge  it,"  the  attorney  for  the  State  cried,  inspired  by  Don  Sanchos. 

.ro  grinned  at  the  advocate,  as  he  said,  — 

41  If  the  senor  will  look  at  my  instructions  he  will  see  that  I  have  full 
power  to  buy,  exchange,  or   take    horses  where  and  when  I  please.     It 
t*ed  me  to  exchange  my  steed  for  another,  and   I   did  so.     But  I  will 
give  him  back  to  my  friend,  for  I  fear  I  cheated  him." 

Then  the  people  once  more  smiled,  and,  when  I  shook  my  head,  and 
1  that  I  thought  I  had  the  best  of  the  bargain,  there  WAS  a  general  roar, 
:  even  the  alcalda  joined  in  the  mirth. 

-  ca«-   is  dismissed,"  said  the  magistrate.     "The  you; 
barged." 

Messrs.  Tcmplt  and  Stearns  came  to  us  and  shook  our  hands,  and  con 
gratulated  us  upon  our  escape.     But  just  then  Don  Sanchos  made  his  voice 

laim  these  young  men  for  the  army  of  California,"  he  said.     -  U> 
ncc  :<;h  peopk  '.riculadors  they  must  serve  when  railed  up- 

.     Let  them  be  enrolled  at  once,  anil  .s 

terminal: 

i  of  being   enrolled  as  M  and  compelled 

the  United  States,  but  the 


Lewcy  and  I. 


"  The  young  men  can  be  enlisted  among  the  brave  defenders  of  the 
State,  but  they  have  the  privilege  of  receiving  a  month's  «otice  before 
being  called  upon  to  serve.  This  is  the  law." 

'•Then,  in  conformity  to  the  law,  1  give  the  matriculadors  one  month's 
warning,''  Don  Sanchos  said,  and  he  gave  us  a  look  that  show  >.ild 

not  forget  the  exact  time.  But  we  ans  vered  his  glances  with  a  gesture  of 
contempt,  for  we  had  beaten  him  three  times,  and  hoped  to  be  enabled  to 
do  so  again,  if  the  occasion  served. 

The  alcalda  arose,  bowed  to  all  present,  and  retired,  and  then  we 
found  ourselves  surrounded  by  the  foreign  residents,  and  congratulated  on 
the  victory  which  we  had  gained.  One  lady,  an  aged  dame,  kissed  us  on 
both  cheeks,  and  called  us  blessed.  She  was  a  widow,  and  wanted  a 
second  husband,  and  probably  thought  we  might  answer,  but  she  smelled  of 
garlic,  and  her  teeth  were  bad,  so  was  out  of  the  question  as  long  as  there 
were  young  girls  ready  to  take  us  for  partners. 

We  did  not  get  to  Mr.  Stearns's  house  till  near  three  o'clock.     Pedro 
went  with  us,  and  told  us  how  he  had  escaped  the  Indians  on  the  route,  and 
that  it  was  thought  the  savages  had  returned  to  the  southern  part  of  Ari 
zona.     At  all  the  ranches  he  had  heard  only  praises  of  our  conduct,  and  a 
fervent  hope  that  we  would  return  some  time.     We  sent  our  compliments 
to  Florencia  and  the   other  ladies,  and   Pedro  said  that  he  would  del: 
them  when  he  again  passed  over  the  trail,  which  might  not  be  for  a  week  or    ] 
ten  days,  just  according  to  the  news  from  Mont-.-: 

Our  dog  Jack  was  frantic  with  delight  when  he  saw  us,  and  could  not  do 
enough  to  show  his  pleasure.     He  had  been  very  good,  and  only  m.inlfc.- 
his  loneliness  by  whining  once  in  a  while,  and  looking  down  the  street  to 
see  if  we  were  coming. 

Our  host  gave  us  a  very  good  dinner,  and  in  the  ev 

tcrtained  the  company  with  an  exhibition   of  legerdemain  that  the    \ 

.•js,  and  caused  them  to  marvel  at  our  skill. 

rt   day  Sanchos  and  his  gang  left  the  Pueblo,  and  every  one  was 
..it  he  and  his  followers  were  gone,  and  it  w  .  i  never  re- 

tut  n. 

*,ix  days   at    Los    Angeles,    and   then   announce  1  our   in- 

r    Ranch 

vere  more  urgent   than   the  l.idies  of    the  ho 

that   !  duty  c,»'  "ne   morn  I 

e  all  a 
..as  said. 


Letvty  and  T.  219 


lads,  there  arc  several   '  ships  on  the  coast.     Get  on  boarf 

•ne  of  them,  and  stay  there.     Do  not  come  on   shore  if  you  - 
L«t  the  girls  alone,  and  some  i!  ae  for  my  advice,  f. 

thi  best  that  I  can  ^ 

We  promised  to  think  of  the  matter,  and  then  saluted  all  who  were  pres 
ent  to  see  us  off,  and  trotted  down  the  street,  Jack  barking  himself  hoarse 
with  delight  at  the  prospect  of  meeting  more  adventures,  and  once  in  a 
B  monotony,  dashing  at  some  greaser's  dog,  and  lending 
him  scampering  homeward,  his  stub  Uil  between  his  legs  with  e\\ 
dence  of  i 

h  us  for  ten  miles  or  more,  just  as  an  act  of  courtesv.     He 

to  our  route  and  halting  places,  and  the  most  feasible 

way  of  crossing  the  coast  range  of  mountains,  between  Los  Angeles  and 

md  when  he  had  commended  us  to  his   patron  saint,  said 

that  God  would   watch  over  us,  shook  hands,  and  dashed  back  to  the  town 

Bke  a  and  I  pursued  our  journey  all  alone. 

remarked  my  frien  r  the  trail,  "  dat  ve  made 

von  great  mistake.     Ve  should  have  married  two  of  dt  sweet  little  girls  oi 

s,  and  settled 
"And  let  our  wives  I  asked. 

iom,  so  de  ding  is  ecp.u.     Vc  might  as  veto 

take  life  easy  in  von  place  as  anudcl  !es,  I  dink  dem  Pueblo  senor 

money  dan  de  udders." 

from    Anita  and    E:v^racia?"     I    askfd,   a   lit 
proacl.; 

ie  and  seed  'em  vonce  in  a  vhile,"  and  the 
i  wink  that  was  suggestive  of  an  easy  conscience 
tion. 

is  which  he  entertained  the  French 

ie  on   in  silence  for  an  hour  or  more. 

.    that  Lcwey  did  not  love  the  girl  he  hkd  sworn  to 

strongly  as  he  might  have  done,  or  he  would  not 

!>y  the  pretty  faces  we  had  seen  since  leavin 

•uld  be  some  difficulty  in  him  to  give 

i.l  unless  .vent  with  it.     However,  I  trusted    that    thi 

produce  the  usual  results  or 
mind,  i  nined   not   to  argue   with  him  on  the  subject,  as   such  a 

!•!  make  him  more  obstinate. 

\clve  o'clock  we  had  climbed  the  summit  of  the  coast  range  of  moun 
ts 


Lewey  and  /. 


I.TRS,  and  looked  once  more  on  the  Pacific,  and  the  islands  ti;al  extend 
inta  Barbara  to  San  Pedro.     The  .1  ma^- 

nifitent  one,  and,  while  we  halted  to  partake  ot  a  slight  luncheon,  and  rest 

our  horses,  a  Mexican  ranchero  rode  toward  us  m>:n  a  trail  that  lei: 

hit  >  the  valley,  in  the  direction   of  Buenaventura.     II  mv_:  fellow* 

;nd  not  prepossessing,  and  there   was  something  in  his  face  that  re- 

.  J   the  features  of  Don   Sanchos  and  his  brother  Carlos,  bold  and 

The  ranchero  rode  up  and  saluted  us  in  a  frank  manner,  asked  where  wo 
were  going,  and  the  news  at  Los  Angeles,  and,  when  we  had  answered  all 
of  his  questions  in  a  satisfactory  manner,  intimated  that  he  had  a  ranche  a 
short  distance  from  where  we  were  resting,  and  would  be  glad  to  welcome 
us  to  his  house  and  all  that  it  contained,  if  we  would  honor  him  \\ith  a 
visit. 

,  v,  in  his  usual  impulsive  manner,  sprang  up,  and  proposed  that  we 
should  accept  at  once,  but   I   felt  such  a  repugnance  to  our  visitor  that  I 
declined,   pleading   the  need    of    haste  to  reach     the   end  of   our 
journey. 

:  a  feller  you  is,"  Lewey  remarked,  in  English.     "  Ve  can  go  and  see 
his  home,  and  perhaps  he  has  a  booful  sister  dar." 

But  I  was  firm,  and  at  last  the  visitor  looked  the  disappointment  he  felt 
in  not  securing  our  presence  at  his  ranche,  and  then  in  a  sullen  manner 
mounted  his  horse,  and,  as  he  did  so,  asked,  — 

"  Ar<-  your  rifles  loaded,  amigos  ?" 

I  do  not  know  why,  but  I  made  a  prompt  response  that  was  not  exactly 
truthful,  as  I  ?aid,  in  a  careless  manner,  — 

'•  Oh,  no,  wo  did  not  think  it  worth  while,  as  the  mountains  are  safe,  we 
have  been  told." 

-  You  are  sure  ?  "  was  the  next  question. 

44  Yes,  quite." 

The  fellow  instantly  put  a  hand  to  his  mouth,  and  uttered  a  peculiar  crv, 
and  out  of  the  bushes  sprang  three  horsemen,  all  with  long  lariats  in  their 
hands,  and  swinging  them  as  they  dashed  toward  us. 

-render,  you  gringos,"  cried  the  man  who  had  wanted  us  to  visit  his 
ranche,  and  accept  of  his  hospitality. 

We  jumped  to  our  feet,  and  laid  hands  on  the  rifles  that  were  near,  sur 
prised  but  not  dismayed  by  the  advance  and  sudden  appearance  of  the 
greasers.  \  t  once  that  there  was  a  plot  and  trick  of  some  kind  to 

capture  us,  but  for  what  reason  we  cguld    not  divine,  as  it  was  unknown 


Lewey  and  7. 


hat  we  had  money  on  our  persons,  not  having  revealed  the  secret  to  a  sin. 

vr.Le  we  ha  i  .oubloons  it  SUB 


>kcd  Lewey  in 

'•It  il  you  are  ray  prison  "  Surren 

der,  or  we  will  drag  you  down  the  side  of  the  mountain  at  the  end  of  our 
lariat  5." 

14  Keep  off,"  we  cried,  as  we  backed  against  a  pine-tree,  the  branches  ol 
which  would  shield  us  from  the  whirl  of  the  unerring  lariats.  "  If  you  dara 
to  molest  us  we  will  kill  you  as  we  would  a  mad  dog,"  and  we  raised  our 
rifle*  in  a  threatening  manner. 

"  Bah,  we  do  not  care  for  your  escopetas,"  was  the  cry,  as  the  horsemen 
formed  in  a  line,  and  looked  for  a  chance  to  ensnare  us  with  their  • 
but  the  tree  afforded  shelter,  and  they  could  not  touch  us  or  our  horses,  ai 
the  branches  extended  for  a  long  distance,  and  our  backs  v 
trunk  of  the  stout  pine,  or  red  wood,  I  have  forgotten  which. 

The  new-comers  seemed  to  fear  the  muzzles  of  our  guns,  and  rather  held 
back,  until  the  owner  of  the  ranche,  an  ^  shouted,  — 

•a  need  not  care.     Their  rides  are  empty.     Ride  th  if  the 

.  .s  dare  not  come  out  and  have  a  fair  fight." 

>  cool,  even    1  Four   mounted,  expert 

young  man  to  leave  the  shelter  of  a  tree,  and  trust  to 
their  quickness  in  dodging  the  deadly  rcat.is,  which  once  over  our  focms 
was  certain  death,  or  maimed  for  life. 

"  we  cried,  in  a  calm  ton  i   th.it 

there  is  death  for  two  of  you  if  an  attack  is  nude  on  us.     Our  riti 
loaded,  and  we  know  how  to  use  them.     Ladrones  of  the  d  -  us  in 

peao  .  will  not  harm  you." 

greasers  laughed  at  the  advice.     They  thought  we 

captured  sooner  or  later,  and  while  we  were  Hinted 

to  act  to  better  ad  vantage  1n  approach  in  'hen  I  noticed  one 

<\vn.  and  d  •  knew 

the  meaning  of  the  action  as  well  as  it  the  f  told  me  what  he  in- 

t'o.     He  would  poise  the  cuchillo  for  a  moment,  and  then  let  It 
fly  through  the  air,  and  it  prol>  I  •  hit  within  a  few  inches  of  the  spot 

he  aimed  at.     I  had  seen  the  trick  pen'.. 
prepared  for  it. 

"  Lr  Yispercd,  "the  greaser  is  a!  at  u* 

Take  cart," 


Lcwey  and  /. 


.1   little   lead    at   him   afore   he    has  de  chance,"  was  the 

,.  sharp  knife,  and  the  next  moment  it  would 
1C  of  «.ur  bo-Ik--;,  b  It  I  stopped  his  pleasant  littlt- 

.i.ly  to  throw,  J  aimed   my  rifle  and   fired.     The   ball 
's  shoulder,  and,  with  a  yell  of   pain,  the  knife   was  d 
•  round,  and   the  follow  nearly  tumbler!  over  backward,  so  t 
.    nt. 
•use  to  the  report  of  the  rifle,  far  doun  the  mountain 

waa   h<  an!  the  fan-fan  of   trumpets,  the  loud,  , 
msic,  such  as   the   California    troops   were  accustomed  to 

listened  eagerly  for  a  moment,  then  mounted,  and  dashed 
spurs  in  thoir  hora  i,  and  disappeared  down  one  of  the  narrow  trails 

that  led  we  knew  not  where. 

inach  full  dat  time,''  Lewev  cried,  as  the  last  of  the  Mcjrf- 
from  si-ht,  only  the  lad  did  not  use  quite  such   polite  Ian- 
written.     ••  You   -ib  von  of   clem  somethin' dat  he  \\\ 
member  '  and  many  a  Ion-  day,  and  t!c  pain  vill  keep  him  a 

:rc.     Ah,  to  clink  dai  I  vanted  to  ^,  \:  .  ascr,  and  felt 

'  vould  no:  .     Yoa  vill  forgib  me,  boo  ( 

the    French    boy  extended    his    hand,      j  Ji:   was  always  re  .  for- 

i    he  had  done  anything  more  foolish  than  usual. 

the  mou-itain  we  heard    the  shrill    blast    of  the  trumpets, 
the  sound  re-r  :n  peak  to  peak,  and  at  last  we  saw  a  troop  of  Mex- 

•out   the    narrow   trail  at  a  slow  pace.  f..r  the  ascent 
d  dangerous,  and  at  the  head  of  the  column  were  seven' 
i  in    showy  uniforms,  with   heavy  sabres   at    their  sides.     Th- 
•   hundred   men   in   all,  but   the  fellows    were   s      i 
yet  they  made  excellent  horsemen  and  ca;  .:*,  quirk  and 

in  the    information    they   obtained   of   an    enemy's    position   and 
.ifterward  lean. 

.rid  sec  de  sojers,  or  cut  and  run  for  it  r  "  as 

had   alre.  'mmentin^  on  our  uncx- 

CC   in    that  part  of  the  country.  I  thought  that  we  had  better 

.  but  just  as    I    spoke  the 

•  it  to  see  if  there  was 

a  force  back  of  us,  and  ;.     It   is  probable  that  the 


keel  Americans  were  st  nircli  on  the 

;  the  mountain*  to  t  i.ink  and 

:\  done  vei 
noth  ;>  the  front  or  water  own,  our 

rnment  did   not  deem  it  expedient  to  co  . 

miles  instead  of  one.     In  fact,  during  the  war,  a  midshipman  Iruin  the 
ate  Congress  or  Savanna!),  with   twelve   men,  held   the  for 

several  weeks,  and  then  marched  out  of  the  ru  '-'ted 

all  the  honor-  :  ter  being  threatened  by  some  hundred  . 

should  have  eaten  them  up  before  breakfast,  as  a  litlie  h: 
en  their  appetites  fora  more  substan'ial  meal. 

.  ory  cautiously,  halting  their  mus  y  few 

paces  so  that  a  good  look  could  be  obtained  of  us,  but,  when  we  rose  up, 
showed  our  powerful  forms,  the  soldiers  dashed  into  the  bushes  to 
-hot  might  whistle  around  their  ears.     To  prc> 

further  complications,  and  not  provoke  the  men,  i   a  scrape  in 

token  of  peace,  and  then  the  scouts  came  toward  us,  and  looked  with  as 
tonishment  at  our  persons. 

.ncmber  you  is  a  Frenchman  for  dis  day  at  least.  -aid.  as  th? 

cavalry  advanced  up  the  mountain,  and  halted  near  our  resting  place. 

i  the  officer  commanding,  "and  what  are  you  do- 

.swcrcd    Lewc  on    our   way  to  get 

.  men  and  offic  -1  and  shouted  at  the  information.     It  was  a 

little  singular  that  people  always  smded  and  joked  us  when  we  stated  that  we 

:  about  to  be  married,  just  as  though  there  was  something  to  make  mer- 

•  mcement.     We  thought  it  was  rather  a  serious  piece  of 

business,  and  most  folks  find  it  so  before  they  die. 

»•  \V  ra  leave  Los  Angeles?"  asked  the  commander,  as  soon  as 

the  laughter  1;  ed. 

\Ve  told  him,  and  also  said   there   was   no  news  of  importance  at  the 
!o.     The   o.i.Mu-1  !  going  to  the  town  to  :  the 

land  at  San   Pedro,  and  march  to  Los  Angelt 

they  i  an  out  and  out  i 

ner,  about  the  only  victory  the   .'•:  ates 

es,  composed  a!  the 

• 
>u   papers   permitting  )  through   the   cou: 


Lewey  and  /. 


asked  the  officer,  after  \ve  had  given  him  all  the  information  we  thought 
desirable. 

"  Certainly,  senor,"  was  our  answer.  "  We  have  a  pass  from  General 
Castro.  Shall  \ve  produce  it?  " 

"  Yes,  let  me  see  it.'' 

We  handed  the  paper  to  him.  He  read  it  carefully,  and  then  returned  ii 
to  us. 

«*  That  is  all  right,"  and  then  his  eyes  fell  on  our  rifles.     The  pistt 
had  put  out  of  sight,  as  we  feared  the  soldiers  would  be  tempted  to  take 
them. 

"I  heard  a  shot  as  I  came  up  the  mountain,"  the  colonel  said.  "  What 
were  you  firing  at?" 

41  A  deer,  senor,"  as  we  did  not  deem  it  advisable  to  tell  him  all  that  we 
knew. 

And  you  missed? ''  with  a  laugh. 

"  Yes,  senor ;  the  deer  was  a  long  distance  from  us.'' 

"  Let  me  see  your  rifles,"  was  the  next  command. 

Lewey  promptly  stepped  forward,  and  held  them  up  for  his  inspection. 

"These  are  good  weapons.  I  need  them  for  my  men  to  fight  the  Ameri 
cans,"  the  officer  remarked  in  a  very  cool  tone.  "  I  will  keep  them." 

"Is  there  anything  else  you  would  like  that  belongs  to  us?''  Lewey 
asked  in  a  sarcastic  manner. 

••Yes,  your  horses.  They  look  like  good  ones,  and  well  broken  to  the 
saddle.  We  will  take  them." 

And  also  the  saddles?"  demanded  my  friend,  keeping  down  the  rage 
that  wanted  to  find  vent. 

"  Yes,  the  saddles  also." 

"  Perhaps  you  need  our  blankets  ?"  Lewey  inquired,  with  a  sneer. 

"  We  can  use  them,"  was  the  prompt  r 

"  I  '11  be  hanged  if  you  do,"  my  friend  cried  in  Spanish,  and  then  threw 
up  his  arms,  looked  down  the  side  of  the  mountain,  and  shouted  wildly, 
while  he  seized  the  two  rifles  from  the  officer's  hands,  tossed  them  to  me. 
and  continued,  -— 

.cias  Dins,  here  comes  Fremont  and  his  desperate  gang  of  trappers 
and  wild  Indians.     We  shall  all   be  n:  id  blood  if  we  are  cap 

tured.     Save  me  some  one." 

"  Atlelante,"  yelled  the  commander  of  the  cavalry,  not  st-  see  if 

the  report  was   true.     ••  with   a  yell  the*whoU 

body  of  men  struck  their  spurs  into  the  horses'  sides,  and  went  on  with  a 


.    and  I.  227 


ish  so  charming  to  see  that  Lewey  just  laid  down  on  one  of 
.red  until  the  tears  blinded  his  eyes. 
:  the  troop  the  colonel  was  a  little  ahead  of  his  men,  but 
not  much,  and  leading  the  jre   the  two  trumpeters,  their  instru 

ments  over  ti.  ..ml  noun  .  jump  of  the  mus- 

• 

•t  lose  any  time  in  saddl!  our  traps, 

and  descending  the  mountain  trail,  only  to  ascend  another  that  seemed 

..T  than  the  OIK-  pushed  on  until  near  night,  whet. 

came  to  a  lonely  ranche  in  a  valley,  and  craved  permission  to  pass  the  night 
under  the  shelter  of  an  out-bu  '.  e   owner  and  wife  were  a  little 

had  been  can  cavalry  in  the  morning,  and 

the  bol  i  :   everything  they  could  lay  their  hands  on,  be 

sides  helping  themselves   to  hoi  two  bullocks,  the  latter  eaten  for 

.  only  the  choicest  !  the  dainty  soldiers,  and  the 

rest  thrown  to  the  dogs. 

looking  after  the  horses,  and  piquetting  them 

the  grass  was  good,  I  took  my  rifle,  and  sauntered  along  to  the  edge  of 
j  tree*,  and  ma  ^tumble  on  a  fat  doe,  which  I  shot,  and  carried 

to  the  house.     We  dressed  the  carcass,  and  had  some  nice  venison  steaks, 
and  then  the  ranchero  and  his  i!cd  us  with  a  few  intcicsting  ac 

counts  of  the  treatment  they  h.i  the  hands  of  their  country- 

.  and,  when  the  lady  said  that  the  soldiers  had  insulted  her  by  offc: 
lute  her  chast.  thought  that  the  depravity  of   th 

something  to  be  deplored,  or  their  stomachs  of  unbounded  strength,  for 
Lewey  stated  that  there  was  not  enough  money  in  all  California  to  t- 
him  to  do  such  a  thing,  which  is  sufficient  proof  that  the  senora 
plain,  and  smclied  of  garlic. 

We  were  not  disturbed  during  the  night,  except  by  the  yelping  of  coy 
otes,  and  the  usual  terrific  a"  as   we  were  accustom, 
both  nuisanc-                           to  have  a  fair  quantity  of  sleep,  and  were  ready 
for    ;                              .  and  on  our  u                  t  o'clock,  the  host  and  wife 
requesting  us  to  call  and  see  them  if  we  ever  traveled  that  way  again. 

is  a  beautiful  morning,  cool  and  crisp,  and  the  heavy  dew  of  the 
:  freshened  th<  filled  the  air  :  :me. 

Our  hearts  and  spirits  were  light  as  we  galloped  alo  illeys,  or 

walked  our  horses  slowly  up  the  steep  mountains,  keeping  to  tl 

\  in  some  places  we  h  id  to  pick  <  ?  were  on  the 

ul,  and  it  was  not  until  late  in  the  afternoon  that  we  stood  on  the 


Lewey  and  I. 


last  hill  that  overlooked  Santa  i 

the  white  mission  church,  the  bells  of  which  were  clun^ 
al  service  for  the  pious.     There,  in  front  of  the  town,  was  the  long,  sandy 
beach,  with   the  surf  breaking  white  upon  the  shore,  where  we  had  landed 
so  many  times,  got  ducked  so  often,  and  passed  so  main 
on  board  the  ship  Admittance,  only  at  that  period  we  did  not  know  th. 
were  enjoying  life,  but  thought  -worked. 

place  seemed  like  a  home  to  us,  it  looked  so  familiar,  calm  and  content  un 
der  the  warm  afternoon  sun.     Just  inside  the  kelp  was  anchored  a  large  ship, 
and   we   imagined  it  to  be  the    Sterling,  a  Boston    vessel,  after  hides,  ti 
the  American  Hag  at  the  peak,  in  defiance  of  the  Mexicans  and  the 
was  supposed   to  be  raging  at  the  time,  only  Santa   li.ui.Mra  had  not 
any  bloodshed  thus  far,  and  the  people  were  not  holding  meetings,  and  ad 
vising  every  one   to  go  to   the  scene  of  strife,  and  die  like  heroes  for  I 
country.     The  male  portion  of  the  inhabitants   at  that  time  onlv  want.. 
be  let  alone,  and  allowed  to  sleep  and  eat  their  meals  in  p 

For  an  hour  we  sat  there  on  the  summit  ol  that    bill,  an  at  the 

town  and  the  ocean,  and  enjoyed  the  prospect  before  t: 
beyond  us,  to  the  north,  was  Ranche  ! 
Lewey'.s  face    glowed  as   he   suddenly  remembered   the  < 
and   some  of   his  young  love  seemed   to  revive  as  he  pointed  to.vard 
place,  and  said,  — 

r  is  vare   ve  vill  see   de  girls.     Tomorrow  ve  vill  clasp  clem  in  our 
arms,  and  de  next  day  ve  vill  talk  ober  vedder  it  is  best  to  . 
remain  t  .>n,  mon   ami,"  and  we    descended  the  hill,  and  ; 

.rrl  the  town,  people  staring  at  us,  and    wondering   who  we  were,  and 
whether  we  were  Mexicans  or  foreigners. 

\Ve  knew  every  public  man  and  h  vn,  but  did  not  fc;l  like  call- 

:r  acquaintances  and  requesting   hospitality,  so  concluded   that 
i'l  up   at  some  greaser's   place,  and  pa 
pendant  of  every  one.     We  supposed  the  r 

would  be  at  our  course,  ard  d< 

.ve  imagined  that  Our  "explanations  ;  event   any  h:r 

!   thus  break    u;)  t'  '  ,i,ip  that  ; 

reside,  we  did   not  really  think  the  above-named  p.irll.. 
';ely  to  recognize  us  in  case  we  made  them  a  friend! . 
;nd  board  for  a  few  nights. 

6  we  were  speculating  on  these  things,  little  thinking  Hint   mv 
panion.  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  would  be  escorted    ; 


li.'lil  /. 

•lie  jruest  of  the  best  people  of  Sa  ;  resent* 

',e  French  nation  as  the  t  a  man-of  -->ee 

i  brown  study,  as  thoug!.  'des 

;<,  but  Mr.  II.  F.  '!  our  for- 

iiit  supercargo,  and  som<  -^co. 

him  quite  hard,  but  he  did  not  reo 

..-  to  him,  and  even  then  it  was  some  time  before  he  could  realize  that 
the  t-,vo  browned,  sun-burned  boys  were  the  same  pa: 

Admittance  for  three  years.    To  be  sure  our  costumes  were  a  1 

.  and  in  some  places  ragged,  and  we  would  not  have  p.. 
leros  of  the  first  class,  cr  been  considered  gotW  ornaments  for  a  th. 
x>m,  but  our  hearts  and  principles  wu  -  could  have  been 

made  a  study  of  humanity  under  all  sorts  of  guises, 
m  boys  come  from  ? "  asked  the  astonished  supercargo,  as 
as  he  could  realize  who  we  were. 

,1m  all  about  our  discharge,  and  travel  by  land  from  San  Diego, 
ami  the  object  of  our  journey,  and  when  we  alluded  to  the  expected  wed 
ding  the  gentleman  smiled. 

11,  of  all  the  fools  I  ever  met  you  two  boys  are  the  greatest,"  was  the 
.id  remark,  and  we  did  not  take  offence  as  we  had  got  accustomed  to 
kind  of  talk,  and  considered  it  complimentary  to  be  men  of  our  words. 
:,now  that  the  country  is  turned  upside  down  by  the  war  be 
tween    Mexico   and   the    I*  "  Mr.  Teschemacher  continued. 
•M  the  harbor.    Tomorrow  I   will  get  you  berths  on 
board  of  her.  and  in  a  short  time  you  can  return  home.*' 

"  Thank   VOM,  but  we  are  not  anxious   to  ship  I  said, 

ale  down,  and  be  residents  of  the  country,  raise  cattle, 
and  get  rich  like  other  people." 

"What  nonst-;  <  the  response.    "You  do   not  know  the  danger 

.my  monc 

:  a  cent.  t  blessed,  untruthful   Lcwey's  response,  and  the 

nked  at  me  as  he  s; 

>aid  the  supercargo,  putting  his  hand  in  his  pocket,  and  pulling 
out  t\vo   Mexican  dollars.     "  Take  thesf,  and  tomorrow  I   will  see  about 
on  the  Sterlir  place  to  sleep  at  most  any  of 

these  houses.  I  have  no  do'. 

the  coin,  s    not 

traveling  beggars  jist  yet.     Ye  '•':  u«  though  as  if  re  rm* 

nit." 


inson,  whom  we  had  met  many  times  at  Santa  Bar bara," the'  ^  *°a^ 

^^^ii^Sx^S^ 


T"Uh'd  T   CVe:  *ee   these  >'°unS  "»"   before,   .Mr.    Robinson  ?  »  M, 
Tesc  emacher  asked,  as  the  former  gentleman  took  a  good  scjuare  loci  "at 

"  Not  to  my  knowledge,"  was  the  answer.     «  Who  are  th  -y-  ?  " 

Peterson's  boys.     They  were  discharged  at  San    Die-o    and 
now  want  to  marry,  and  grow  up  with  the  country  » 

ols  "  was  the  usual  rejoinder,  and  then  Mr.  Robinson  lathed 
*  as  though  he  had  said  something  funny,  but  we  did  not  see  anvth"n     u 
be  merry  about.     It  was  rather  serious  business  with  us. 
'•  Wl:       do  you  intend  to  stop    tonight  ?  "  asked  the  ex-supercargo 

' 


.'  find 
r 


At  this  moment  Jack,  who  wanted  his  supper,  and  was  impatient  at  the 
long  conference,  uttered  a  doleful  bark. 
^Xice   dog  that  of  yours,  boys,"    Mr.   Robinsen  said.     "Will  you  sell 

"  No,  sir.     He  is  not  for  sale,"  was  our  prompt  response 

^  you  five  dollars  for  him,"  the  gentleman  urged,  a  lar^e  .urn 
considenns  that  every  house  in    Santa  Barbara  had  from  four  to  tea  cu 
S  about  the  court-yards,  *nd  yelping  at  all  hours  of  the  nM,t 
haps   he  thought  our   poverty  could  be  relieved  in  the  way  of  trade 

"       "S  th<i   CaSeh 


"Not  for  five  hundred  dollars  vouldve  sell   de  dog  vot  has   been  vid  us 

c  and  in  pleasure,  loves  all  de  same  vot  ve  loves,  l.im  dot  has  stood 

by  us  ven  ve  vanted  friends,  and  nebber  turned  his  back  on  us  ven  an  en- 

emy  appeared.     He  is  part  of  us,  and  in  good  fortune  or  in  bad  if  ve  ha« 

i  or  a  crust,  poor  little  Jack  .kalUharc  it  vid  Ui|  and  recdve  dfi  ] 


/.  23' 


,f  ve  is  starv  <  de  kind  of  b- 

mno^l.  for  money,  nor  i  -  'nd* 

nantl  take  for  de  am. 

mile 

..no,  a 

..no.Uk  ,ned  speech, 

and!  ,;  that  he.:  freed  t 

"How  about  the  ho:.  «d    the  ,  ,  ney  are  mce 

ani,,,  :  will  buy  th,-m  if  you  h.ive  the  power  to  set 

-  mustang  are  o  '  U'em  ">. 

andllnorable  a.  where,  f"«« 

can  offer  will  purchase  then,     Th  -g  are  the  on  j 

in  California,  and  those  -  long  as  we  have  the  power  to 

them,"  a,  ,en  to  specul., 

the  temper  of  the  boy.  UK,  bad  encountered,  lad,  who  would  no,  sell  « 
they  owned,  a  nc,  ^er*  money  had  its  purchasing 

power  a:  .flficials. 

,tice  the  adobe  ho.:  -s  pointed  out  to  us,  b.r 

another  where  ,  ..the  dour  'homw, 

had  seen  man.  •>""  we  had  laughed  an 

:  when  he  brought  hides  to  the  beach  for  the  rich  ranche  owners 

to  see  us,  anj  off  ve  us  some  supper  and 

feed  of  barlev  for  our  horses,  an  I  :or  the  nisht,  all  for  a  n 

e  had  mo'ney  enough  to  pay,  if  not  wo  ome  to  ev 

intimated  that  we  could  find  a  few  spue  dollars,  and  '.hen  piquetted 
our  hor«f,  fed  them,  had  the  usual  supper,  -tortilla,  and  an   <• 
aiier  it  was  unished  strolled  abou,  I  *5°* 

where   I   saw  his  young  and  handsome  daughter  sitting  on  the  vcr 
her  residenc-  ying  some  •  notes  on 

ing  on  the  wall  of  the  court-vard,  near  where  I  had  eaten  my  fir.t  dmner  „ 
Santa  Uarbara,  and  listened  to  her  performance  for  more  than  an  ' 
.he  never  noticed  me,  probably  supposing  that  I   wa,  a  ranchero  vi», 
the  town,  ami  attracted  by  the  music,  as  there  were  a  do«: 
present  as  well  a,  we  altra 

twilight,  beins  in  Mrxi.  I 


. 
our  or  three  pipes  of  tobacco  while  waitir 

h.t  the  moon  came  up,  and  its  s.lvery  wealth  -n,  on  t! 

who  were  close  to  the  -.led  «"<  «>"  don  and  famil>''  and  wo1" 


Lewey  a- 


!  :Mr^'  ""«*< '•*.'«•<*•  *  then, -dtoid 

.,  fearful,,  B,  and  to  be  morti6ed  in  the  presenc 

beaut  ful  woman  is  re.  of  a  bo  »j£ 

'"rno  indwe,haped  our  won 

Ch,  and,  because    I  lt  and  reflec:ivc.  L,         ^ 

sad  expression,  an,i  at  last  turned  to  me-,  an.l  ask, 

you  still  spoons  on  de'gal?"  just  as  though   I 
was:n  "^  heard  playing  on  the  guitar,  and  I, 

L-art  went  out  01  ,ts  way  to  meet  am!  .ympathize  with  me  in  my  l,,ne- 


inc''3'!lllim/'  the  1Vench  Lo>-  **«*  "^es  you  love  her  more  den  you  docs 

he  put  out  his  hand   in    a   beseeching  half-timid   manner,  and   th.re, 

rbara,  with  the  full  moon  shining  down  upon  our 

*"*••  t  the  quietnet.  of  our  proceedings, 

Ch  other's  eves,  and  then,  without  a  «. 
•  i>ed  our  walk,  and  presently  sat  down  on  the  damp  sand 
:I  at  thc   white  su: !  >nd   tumbled   on  the  beach,  . 

1  mu  lly  in  a  language  that  we  could  understand,  for  it  told  of  gales  at 
sea'  a  t  jackets,  and  hard  work. 

While  we  s-.t  there  the  Sterlings  boal  C  imc  on  shore  for  the  captain    and 

•    through  the  rollers,  and  contli 

r  xv.th  our  own,  when  we  had  the    same   duties   to  perform      The 
came  toward  us,  but  we  did  n  to   them,  and. 

I  not  understan  ,  they  paid  noi 

the  beach,  and  blanked  the  m.isicr  for  bein-  So 
'  n  from  the  town. 

ins  appearance  at  last,  and  the  boat  was  pulled  through  the 
ship,  and  then  we  heard  the  men  hoist  the  -i-  up,  and  over  the 
"e  the  ringing,  clear  tones  of  the  bell,  as  it  struck  hall  past  nine 

.  in  nautical  parlance. 
trolled  back   to  the  town,  past  the  houses  where  fandan 

r  quarters,  saw  that  our  horses   were  resting  quietlv,  and 
•  on  our  blankets,  and,  with  saddles  for  pillow,,  went  U>  I 

casionally   dreaming  of   fi£hf 
«Iyatharp  word  *™  DCcesi  ;,ken 

to  the  fact  that  he  had  made  a  mistake.     Then  !  to  lhink 

nch  or  bite  a  flea,  and  <,  netimea 


Leu'ty  and  I. 


snoring  like  a  human  be! 
the  «. 

Ou.  k'ancl 

honor  of  stum  us  in  his  cour 

beenslu:; 

rite  her   I  asurc'  aclinS  1J 

itside  of  California. 

:  -.-UK-hero  1 

the  sliri!  'UUl1   in    lhc  choic< 

before,  all  oi    whicti    i.e   received   with  an 

a  had  uu»hi  him  the   f 
ie. 

The  :r   break: 

umulatcd  dirt  and  dust 

ilannel  .hirt,  and  at  eight  o'clock  -idy  for  o-.: 

igio. 

.v  much  .shall  we   pay  you   for   our  entertainm 
host,  but  tli  -  =  »ok  his  h.  -^  ^  ^  ^il]- 

r,  — 

You  are  welcome,"  and  then  added,  in  a  wh: 

because  she  thinks  I  danced  wit!. 
desire  to  make  her  a  present  I  shall  have  no  o: 
j  10  keep  peace  in  the  family." 

:nan  a  four-real  piece,  and  she 
Iti  sternness,  and  she  even  asked  us  to  come  a: 
sit    when    we    were    disposed,    a    request    that     : 

seconded. 

ly  down   the  main  street  to  the  beach,  and  took  one  more 
:he  calm,  beautiful   bay,  and  the  roaring  surf.      A  boat   was  on 
•:c  from  ti.  ;.  t.iking  off  hides,  the  men  up  to  their 

.:«n  at  that   season  of  the  year,  and  we  could  hear  t! 

10   unusual 

the  same 
in  the  s.ine  strong  expletives. 

rs  he.ird  U  "He  of  the  rm 


at»,  — 


Lewey  and  I. 


"  Vou  bloody  greasers,  we  wish  you  had  to  do  this  job.  Then  you  would 
grin  out  of  the  other  side  of  your  mouths." 

"Gently  on  the  oaths,  shiprnite,"  I  remarked  in  a  quiet  tone.  "  We  did 
that  ki:;  'r  for  most  three  years,  and  had  our  share  ot  surf  and 

dui 

"  Who  in  the  bloody  thunder  are  you  anyhow  ?  "  the  man  asked,  i 
did  not  recollect  our  faces,  although  he  had  seen  us  often  on  boa: 
mittance  when  the  Sterling  rirst  came  on  the  coast. 
9    Our  Mexican  costumes  had  so  changed  our  appearance  th..- 

.•es  would  not  have  recognized  us  very  readily.     Besides,  a  littU 
down  had  began   to  appear  on  our  upper  lips,  and  we  were  very  particular 
to  cultivate  it  for  all  that  it  was  worth,  as  it  made  us  look  a  little  more  man, 
ly,  relieving  us  of  the  green,  boyish  appearance  we  had  assumed  for  SG 
many  years. 

::i  the  shore  party  were  attracted  by  the  conversation,  I  thou 
only  right  that  the  sailor  should  have  an  answer,  so  said,  in  a  dignified 
tone, — 

!  m,"  pointing  to  Lewey,  "is  the  governor  of  the  State, 
while  I  am  only  the  commander  of  the  army,  and  have  the  title  of 
gen 

•'It  is  a  blanked  lie,"  roared  the  old  salt.     "  You  are  two  bloody  beach 
combers,  and  run  away  from  some  whale  ship.     I  can  tell  by  the  cut  of  voui 

We  thought  it  was  not  worth  while  to  continue  the  conversation  as  we 

".  getting  the  worst  of  it.     The  man  had   not  come  far  from  the  truth, 

the  sailor's  remark,  we  turned  from  the  hard  sand  of  tiie 

t  beach,  and  struck  the  trail  that  led  to  the  ranche,  our  route  being  on  and 

rear  the  seashore  the  whole  distance. 

It  was  a  delightful  ride  that  morning,  for  the  ocean  was  on  our  left,  and 
the  e  of  mountains  on  our  right,  and  a  gentle  breeze  from  the 

northwest  ruffled  the  surface  of  the  water,  cool  and  bracing.  >\v- 

er  had  laid   the  dust,  and  revived  the  drooping  grass  and  flowers.     There 
was   no   mud  to   splash   through,  as  would   have   been  the  case  in  the  c. 
part  of  the  wet  season,  when  water  sometimes  falls  in   torrents  for  several 

r 

We  were  seemingly  all  impatience  to  see  the  girls  for  whose  sakcs  we 
had  made  such  sacrifices,  and  \vondered  how  tlvy  would  receive  us,  if  •• 
Joy  or  coldness.     Vet  we  dreaded  to  reach  the  goal  of  our  hopes,  and  soon 
after  parsing  Point  Arena  let  ou»-  horses  walk  for  half  an  hour,  each  of  us 


Lfa  /. 


his  own  When  Lewey  looked  up,  and  s..  vas 

.  e,  the  lad  laughed.  — 

-  1   clink  dc  same  ding  d«it  you  does.     Ve  has  been  fools,  and  novs 

go  on  and  be 

••  I  still  iove  Anita,"  I  sighed. 

••  Oat  is  not  so,  and  you  kr.  .1$  the  candid  rema  vas 

.aballero  grand  you  vould  not     .  look  in  some 

udder  quarter,  vare  you    vould   not  ashamed  be.     Dat  know  I  qui 
But  vc  has  pledged  our  vord,  and  a  I-'ix-nchmasi   ncbber  go  back  on  dat  — 
ntbber.     His  honor  .e." 

when  you  made  love  to    Florencia  at  the  lonely  rancht, 
remarked. 

••  Veil,  dat  vas  von  exception,"  was  the  candid  reply.     "  1   lose  my  head 

dmr,  but  now  de  honor  of  a  Frenchman  all  come  back,  am!  his 

vord  and  his  vow-  for  a  moment,  and  continued, 

tl  I  vish  dat  dey  had  uttered  been  nebber,  and  if  de  gi  ried  cry 

•hall  not  I." 

Perhaps  he  expressed  my  sentiments  in  a  measure,  for  il 
bcr';d  that  we  had  not  seen  the  objects  of  our  affection  f.  months, 

and  a  boy's  love  is  not  supposed  to  last  forever  \\  i  the 

one  he  thinks  so  beautiful. 

After  a  while  we  loped  along,  and  by  near  the  gulch 

led  to  the  ranche,  where  we  had  landed  so  mam  :hc  surf, 

cd  our  horses  up  the  ravine  to  the  house  where  tlu  ters 

resided,  and  with  whom  Lewey  and  I  had  walt/.ed  one  afterno  v  the 

old  days  came  back  to  us  as  we  recognized  familiar  » 
heart  was  beating  so  strongly  that  I  couki  ;  felt  nei 

and  weak,  so  much  so  that   I   dismo  the  you 

house,  and  asked  for  a  drink  of  water. 

of  the  senoritas   were  at  home,  and  readily  com\n 
quest.     Then   they  politely  asked  us   to  partake  of  some  fruit,  ar.d  s 
peon  for  it  when  we  did  not  decline   the  offer.     'I 
fon  1  travelers,  and  tried  to  make  our  rest  agreeable.     The . 

not  recognize  us  until  we  made  ourselves  known,  and  then  expressed  aston- 
-.here  we  were,  as  they  sir  -  had  arrived  home 

Ion:  ren  if  the  matter  had  been  considered  for  a  moment  by  young 

ladies  who  had  no  special  interest  in  us  or  our  I 

We  -did  not  inform  the  girls  that  we  werr  on  a  matrimonial  crmnd,  as 
,  in  hit  usual  cartful  raajmer,  thou^Ut  that  it  WM  just  as  well  not  t*, 
u 


Lewey  and  L 


.:iing  to  make  an  impression  on   his  suscepti 

ble  IK-  he   huid  that  it  \\u  :•)  have  an  anchor  to  the 

\vindv,  .ing,  I  suppose,  that  it  >t  find  Anita  and  Engracu 

all  we  desired.  \ve  could   repudiate  them,  and  fail  back  upon  the  sisters,  in 
the  hope  that  they  might  be  induced  to  smile  on  us.  but  they  were  far  alxv-'is 
us  in  rank  and  fortune,  and  could  look  higher  in  every  respect  for  a  matri. 
il  market. 

did  not  offer  to  leave  the  house  of  the  pretty  sisters  until  we  had 
controlled  our  agitation.  Then  we  bade  farewell  to  the  senorit&s,  mounted 
our  horses,  and  went  to  the  well-remembered  adobe  hut  where  Anita  and 
..-ia  resided.  With  flushed  faces  and  beating  hearts  we  dismounted 
and  approached  the  door,  which  stood  wide  open,  with  a  fire  in  front  of  the 
premises,  and  an  olia  simmering  on  the  coals,  showing  that  dinner  was 
nearly  ready. 

The  noise  we  made  attracted  attention,  and  an  old  woman  came  to  the 
door,  and  looked  at  us  in  wonderment  and  surprise. 

u  Engracia,"  Lewey  asked.  '"Where  is  she?"  and  to  have  judged  by 
the  lad's  face  one  would  have  thought  that  on  his  question  hung  afpatter  of 
life  and  death. 

;ta,"  I  said.     "  Tell  me  where  she  is,  and  that  she  is  well." 
Still  the  old  woman  looked  at  us,  and  did  not  answer  a  word.     A  feeling 
possession  of  our  minds.     The  girls  were  dead  or  ill,  we 

the  woman  asked  at  last. 

>  you  not  recollect  us  ?  We  are  the  boys  who  used  to  give  you 
bread  and  tobacco.  The  same  ones  who  made  love  to  your  daughters,  and 
presented  them  with  stockings,  money,  and  other  things,"  we  both  cried 

rly. 

The  old  woman  advanced  toward  us  in  a  hurried  manner,  and  a  look  of 
peculiar  determination  on  her  face.  Ah,  she  recognized  us  at  last,  was  all 
ready  to  give  us  a  kind,  mother-in-law  embrace,  and  call  down  blessings 
and  prayers  for  happiness  on  our  heads,  and  we  were  willing  to  fall  upon 
our  knees,  and  receive  the  orisons  that  were  to  ascend  to  heaven  in  our 
behalf. 

"M<  -d  Lewey,  with  a  sob,  "  for  such   we  must  now  call  you, 

speak  to  us  of  those  we  esteem  so  much.     Let  us  see  them,  so  that  we  can 

ir  eyes  on  their  beauty,  and  tell  them  that  we  have  never  ceased  to 

think,  even  for  a  moment,  of  those   we  adore,  tnd  have  loved  §o  many 


An 


I.  237 


:  now  our  reward  is  to  come,  and  with  joyful  hearts  we  will 
greet  your  beautiful  daughu 

-d  the  old   woman,  in  a  tone   that  was  intended  to  be 
ucs  of  the  devil,  what  sent   you  litre  to  an  honest 

you  gone,  or  there  will  be  trouble." 

/car  aright?     Were  those  peppery  remarks  directed  to 
had  supplied  the  old  woman  with  pounds  and  pounds  of  piloi 
.  who  had  been  encouraged  to  call  at  all  times,  and  never 
.->t  our  engagements?     No,  there  was  some  mistake,  or 
else  it  was  all  a  dream,  and  we  should  at  lasi  awaken  from  it.  and  laugh  at 
our  f- 

i$'Kul  madre,"  began  Lewey,  in  a  soothing  :  not  recog 

nize  us.     Look  at  us   well,  and  see  your  future  sons-in-law,  who    will  be 
proud  to  iabo:  relfare,"  and  then  the  lad  added  in  English.  '•  1  kick 

her  dc  h<  ij   I  is  spliced.     I   nebber   live   vid  her  near  me, 

no  nebber,  by 

ibondos,"  the  old  woman  remarked,  "  I  know  both  of  you,  and 
have  ..iugh.     Get  you  gone  from  here,  or  I  '11  seal  J  the  life  out  of 

your  here:  is  sure  as  I  have  a  patron  saint." 

',  dis  beats  me,"  my  French  friend  said.     "  1   vould  rudder  face  a 
mountain  lion  dan  dat  dreadful  voman  at  any  dime.      Is  dis  de  veddin'  feast 

:ed  vich  ve  are?  " 

I  could  only,  look  on,  and  wonder  what  had  changed  the  sentiments  of  the 

we  come  all  the  way  from  San  Diego  to  listen  to  such  abuse  ? 

>e  called  thieve*  and  vagabonds  ?     To  be  grossly  insulted  by  an  old  hag, 

eaten  our  bread,  and  smoked  our  tobacco,  and  glad  enough  to  get 

putting  our  love  to  a  severe  test,  but  one  thing  I  was  resolved 
upon.  Never  should  that  old  woman  live  in  the  house  with  me  and  mine. 
1  had  heard  enough  of  her  tongue  to  last  a  life  time,  and  what  could  I  ex 
pect  if  she  was  always  near  me  ? 

..it   shall  we  do?"  I  asked  Lewey,  who  was  inclined  t 

.«!,  like  the  boy  on  the  burning  deck  from  whence  all  had  fled. 

"1   vill  nebber  run  from  a  voman,"  he  answered.     "A   French) 

i  fight,  but  he  nebber  runs,  no  ntbber,"  and   as  he  spoke  the 
used  an   earthen  jar   frt-m   the   fire,  and  the  way  that  lad  wa 
backward  to  fpt  out  of  her  reach  was  suggestive  of  a  panic   if  she  had  but 
pursued. 

•n't  be  afraid  of  her,  Lewey,"  I  said.     "  She  ia  harmless." 


Lewey  and  / 


I    uttered  the  \vji\is   the   old   la  ;y  snatched  up  a  burning 
about  to   hurl  it  at   my  .ien   Jack  thought  that  he 

and  show  what  he  could  do  as  a  peacen  \ 

feared  some  desperate  assault  was  about  to  be  made  on   his   best  and  mo>t 
loved 

As  the  senora  raised  the  burning  fagot,  having  dropped  the  vessel  of  hot 
water,  it  being  too  cumbersome  to  use  with  facility,  Jack  supposed   t! 
attack  was  to  commence  in  earnest.     He  uttered  a  short,  savage  bri 
went  for  her  bare   eet  and  ankles,  and  perhr.ps  a  1 
he  must  have  nipped  the  flesh,  as  the  woman  uttered  a  scream  like  : 
an  enraged  mountain  lion.     Then  she  gave  a  jump  in  the  air,  and  \sl: 
came  down  lost  her  balance  and  sat  on  the  olia  that  was  preparing:  ! 
ner.     It  was  warm  and  liquid,  and  the  soup  must   have  burned  her,  : 
clapped  her  hands  to  the  after  part  of  her  thin  and  nearly  the  only  garment 
she  wore,  and  said  some  things  that  should   not   have  been  uttered  by  a 
woman  who  had  prospective  sons-in-law  within  hearing. 

Her  yells  brought  to  the  scene  some  of  the  neighbors,  who  ciimc  t< 
pathize  and  console  her,  and,  as  the  people  seemed   : 
blame,  Lewey  motioned  to  our  horses,  so  we  moun  >dc  swiftly 

not  caring  where  as  long  as  we  were  clear  of  that  woman  and  her 
dreadful  words  and  imprecations. 

When  we  were  out  of  sight  of  the  home  of  our  beloved  girls   we  halted, 
and  looked  at  each  other  in  wonderment. 

Le'.vey.  "  ebery  von  has  said  ve  vo^  1  now  vot  does 

dink  you  on  dc  subject?  "  a  question  hard  to  answer,  for  we  did  not  know 
what  we  should  do,  or  where  we  should  go  for  even  a  night's  lodging  or  a 
late  dinner.  Our  love  affairs  wore  a  decidedly  gloomy  look, 
and  what  was  to  be  our  next  move  was  a  most  important  question,  and  one 
not  easily  answered.  We  had  suffered  and  endured  privations  for  the  sake 
*  dark-eyed  girls,  and  now  we  were  thrown  aside  as  useless  lumber. 
But  we  had  one  satisfaction,  —  we  felt  as  though  our  hearts  were  not  quite 
broken  even  if  we  were  jilted. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A    MUTUAL   AGRKKMENT.  —  AN   OLD   ACQUAINTANCE.  —  THE   RANCH 

<>,    AND    A  IICTED    M  '    ISETO 

ALL.  —  nON    ANTONIO    SANCHOS  PUTS    IN    AN    AI'PMAK ANCE. — A STRUG- 

FOR     LII-  K.  —  A     1  ..—  ON   Ti:  :;.  —  A 

.  —  A   LADY'S  GRATITUDE.  —  A  NEW  PRCK. 
ro  EMC 

MY  French  friend's  question  was  an  important  one,  and  I  took  some 
time  to  answer  it.  We  iiad  not  been  received  in  a  very  hospitable 
manner,  it  was  true,  by  the  mother  of  the  young  girls  we  had  hoped  to 
marry,  and  our  flight  from  the  scene  of  her  home  was  more  like  a  panic  than 
an  orderly  retreat.  \Ve  had  seen  the  old  lady,  and  heard  her  in  tones  we 
could  not  fail  to  understand,  but  had  obtained  no  glimpse  of  the  daughters, 
I  •  :ey  approved  of  such  conduct  on  the  part  of  their  par- 

e:.t.     \Ve  !M  i  not  found  plain  sailing  thus  far,  and  what  to  do  next  was  a 
question  I  could  not  answer,  but  did  say  in  a  frank  manner.  — 

.   we   have   madt   fools    of    ourselves.     No.,    what    shall 
wtdo 

•'  I  tells  you,"  he  answertd.    "  Vc  vill  go  back  to  de  pretty  sister 
nakcs  love  to  dem.n 

Ah,  what  a  boy  he  was  for  resources.     Always  rc:v'  me  plan  to 

make  life  happy,  and  never  casting  a  thought  lo  the  disagrceabk 
could  turn  from  one  girl  to  another  without  a  sigh  of  regret  for  the 
tf  his  projects,  or  a  thought  of  the  vows  he  ha  1  uttered. 

The  pro^os-'tion  lie  advanced  was  a  tc.nj-tin^  one,  and  I  should  no: 
hesitated  to  embrace  it,  except  that  my  colder,  northern  blooti 

t  the  plan  was  not  a  feasible  one,  for  I  doubted  if  the  young 
would  be  ready  to  listen  to  the  ardent  protestations  of  two  penniless  young 


Lewey  and  I. 


men,  wander  is  the  old  l  -man   had  called  us  in  her  blind 

can  ve  do?"  my  friend  asked,  after  I  had  refused  to  listen  to 
his  advice. 

*  We  can  return  to  Santa  Barbara,  and  ship  on  board  the  Sterling  or 
some  other  vessel,"  I  said. 

the  candid  reply.     «  I  does  no  more  vork  afore  de  mast 
unless  I  is  starvin*.     Somethin'  vill  turn  up  for  us.     You  see  if  speal 

truth  do  not  I." 

as  he  finished  his  indignant  protest,  a  ranchero  hove  in  sight,  lop. 

£aloi:-  th-lt  ltd  toward  the  mountains.     The  Mexican  drew  up 

when  he  saw  two  strangers,  seated  on  horseback,  as  if  undecided  where  to 

and    what    to    do,    passed    the   usual   salutations,    and   touched   his 

sombrero. 

"  Buenos  clias,  senors,"  he  said.     "  What  can  I  do  for  you  ?  " 
He  was  a  young  fellow,  not  more  than  twenty  years  of  age,  and  his  face 
;emed  familiar.     We  were  confident  that   we   had  seen   him  before,  but 
where  was  the  question.     All  at  once  I  recollected  the  boy  who  had  es- 
J   us  to  a  fandango  at  San  Luis  Obispo,  when  we  had  been  sent  on 
shore  to  watch  some  hides  at  the  Cave,  while  one-half  of  the  number  was 
stolen  during  our  absence  at  the  dance. 

"  Do  you  not  remember  us  ?  "  1  asked  ,  as  soon  as  I  was  assured  of  the 
(act  that  we  had  met  before. 

'  Xo,  senors,  I  think  not,"  was  his  answer. 

iien  refilled   to  his  mind  the  night  at  the  Cave,  and  the  fandango, 
the  youn/  fellow's  face  showed  that  he  was  pleased  at  seeing  his  old 
At  the  same  time  I  always  suspected   that  he  had  a  share  in  the 
purloined  queros,  or  at  least  knew  where  they  went,  and  who  took  them. 
But  we  were   willing   to   forgive   him,  as  we  needed  friends,  and  hoped  we 
had  found  one  in  the  person  of  the  ranchero,  whose  name,  he  told  us 
Alberto. 

*  What  are  you  doing  here  ?  "  the  young  fellow  asked.     «  You  are  r 
around  the  country  like  gallant  Mexican  caballeros  while   I   supposed  vou 
were  on  board  of  your  ship." 

1  We  came  here  to  be  married,"  Lewey  said.  "  but  the  girls   we  wei 
wed  have  disappeared!  and  their  mother  gave  us  such  a  warm  reception  that 
we  were  forced  to  cut  and  run  for  it." 

When    we   i->M   him  the  name  of  the  girls  his  dark  face  aiu!  eyes  were 
lighted  up  with  merriment. 


Ballon  V 


*\  \\\    whole    bones,    for    the 

the    rant: 
•ersare  Q  -ice  as  I  rode  past 

poisoned  the  mother's  mind  against  you,  for  she 
would  m.  rls  to  the  devil   for  the   sake   of  getting  them  off 

c  them  for  fear  of  such  a  mother-in-law,  as  she 

would  comm.md  :he  hoi. 

erl'ul  news   to  us,  for  men  do  not  want  \\  .ire 

.  ambitious  mothers,  anxious  tor  a  good  match 
•he  woman  had  offered  to  pitch  at  us  somctl. 
mor,  .in  a  spouse,  and  we  thought  she  must  be  prejudiced  aga 

.-  hunters,  in  search  of  heiresses,  although  the 

onate  pa:  .ollars,  house  and  all,  and  we  could 

comm.mu  Q  that  sum  in  ready  mo:. 

\\  me,"  the  young  ranchero  said,  after  the  gravity  of  our 
situation  h.ul  to  him.     "  I  have  recently  obtained  a  ran 

c.ittie.     It  is  only  a  mile  or  two  from  here.     I  have 

an  Ou  in  :  in  to  cook,  so  you  will  not  starve.     Remain  as  long  as 

you  please,      i  are  abundant,  and   once  in  a  while  a  bear  is  seen. 

Come  with  me,  and  we  will  have  lots  of  fun.  There  is  a  fandango  near 
me  once  a  week,  and  you  will  ;irls  at  some  of  them,  I  am  sure." 

unexpected  offer,  and  we  readily  accepted  it,  because 
there  was  nothing  better  to  do.     So  we  thanked  the  young  fellow,  and  rode 
:  ill  details  of  our  adventures  on  the  route  from 
ntioned  that  we  had  encountered  and  killed  Apaches 
id  admiration    knew  no  bounds.     He  thought 

class  heroes,  and  deserved  to  be  immortalized  and  made  saints,  for  he  had 
heard  the  most  wonderful  stories  of  the  savage  and  cunning  warriors,  and 
then.  >  white  man  could  stand  before  them. 

Then  tli  -  ichero  gave  us  a  full  history  of  himself 

left  a  tortune  of  five  hundr^i  y  an  uncle,  and  with  a  hundred  r. 

which  he  had  saved,  bou-ht  a  ranch?,  and  a  few   head  of  cattle.     His  haci 
enda  consisted  of  five  !   acres  of  good  valley  land,  and  he  c 
•  as  much  more  as  he  desired  for  the  asking.     Lewey  looked  at  me. 
winked.     Here,  he  th«  l^d  so  !•  :  and  de 
sire                  -termined  to  enter  into  partncrsh.  mid 
tak                 Secome  cattle  raisers  in                   I  Jut  there  was  time  enough 
to  talk  of  such  matters  after  we  had  seen   the  ranche,  the  stock,  and  5: 
commodations.     NViih  the  Mexican's  kno  .                .J  our  busineis  tar 


Lewey  and  /. 


thought  success  would  be  an  assured  thing.  We  could  hunt  and  fish,  rtdt 
and  play,  and  do  but  little  work,  except  at  the  season  for  rounding  in  and 
branding.  This  was  the  life  for  us,  and  one  we  had  depicted  many  limes. 
If  fortune  crowned  our  efforts,  in  a  few  years  \ve  could  become  grandees  of 
the  country,  men  whom  captains  and  supercargoes  would  look  up  to  and  re- 
spect  for  their  wealth. 

We  found  Alberto's  adobe  house  not  much  in  the  way  of  prctention,  yet 
it  had  two  rooms  and  an  out-building,  where  the  usual  stock  of  odds  and 
ends  had  accumulated, —  old  saddles,  hides,  fleas,  barley,  tallow  in  quero 
bags,  and  a  hammock  for  the  Indian  woman  to  sleep  in.  The  furniture  in 
the  house  was  composed  of  two  chairs,  home  made,  with  strips  of  hide  for 
seats,  a  rude  bedstead  of  red  wood,  a  rough  table,  some  cheap  prints  of  va 
rious  saints  plastered  on  the  walls,  a  crucifix,  and  four'  dogs,  the  latter 
posed  to  resent  Jack's  intrusion,  and  then  suddenly  left  our  animal  to  hi» 
own  meditations,  when  he  showed  a  disposition  to  lick  the  Mexican's  curs, 
without  waiting  for  the  formality  of  an  introduction. 

Don  Alberto  welcomed  u>  to  his  home  with  all  the  grace  and  airs  of  a 
grandee.  Ke  made  us  at  ease,  helped  us  piquette  our  horses  where  the 
grass  was  freshest,  stirred  up  his  cook  to  get  dinner,  and,  after  we  had 
dined  on  an  olia  that  was  not  so  bad  as  some  we  had  eaten,  mounted  our 
horses,  and  rode  over  the  hacienda,  which  we  found  well  watered  i 
mountain  springs.  The  cattle  looked  fat  and  healthy,  re  were 

about  fifty  horses  on  the  place,  which  we  did  not  count  of  much   v.ilu 
there  were  more  than  enough  for  every  man,  woman,  and  child  in  California 
scattered  about  the  various  ranches  of  the  State. 

We  were  pleased  with  all  that  we  saw,  and  retired  that  nijjht  with  the 
firm  intention  of  buying  two-thirds  interest  in  the  ranche  if  we  could  come 
to  terms  with  the  owner. 

The  next  day' we  took  our  rifles  and  went  after  deer,  saw  quite  a  number, 
so  that  there  was  no  trouble  in  securing  one  for  immediate  want,  and  that 
evening,  as  we  sat  around  the  fire  and  smoked  our  pipes  and  cigarettes, 
proposed  a  partnership  with  our  host.  He  was  a  little  surprised  at  the 
thought,  as  he  had  not  considered  such  a  project  possible.  We  pointed  out 
how  we  could  be  of  use  in  many  respects,  that  the  st.rk  mi-ht  he  increased, 
and  money  made  in  the  course  of  a  f  :f  there  was  no  disease  or 

drought.     We  urged  him  to  name  a  price,  and  he  said  that  he  would  think 
of  the  matter,  and  let  us  know  the  next 

But  the  next  day  came,  and  Don  Alberto  had  not  made  up  his  mind,  like 
all  Mexicans.  He  wanted  more  time  to  think  of  the  project,  and  desired 


and  /. 


•  of  some  friends.     \Vc  made  no  objections  to  t!. 
on  just  as  though  we    were 

:ead  of  some  red  wood,  a  nice  table,  chairs  cf  deers'  horns,  kept 

.J  even  gained  the  -  "f  the  s-' 

Indian  cook,  r,  led,  but  seemed  to  be  ever 

•A  as  to  free  the  peons  from  bondage  and  the 
the  com, 

It  must  not  be  supposed  for  a  moment  that  we  informed 
the  fact  of  our  having  some  gold  on  our  persons,  enou 
in  the  ranche.  -1  acquainted  with  : 

[0  any  such  thing.     The  fact  would  have  been  noised  abroad,  spread 
•1th  to  mouth,  and  SOITK-  :»ight  have  found  our 

our  sides,  and  the  belts  of  gold  gone,  never  to  return,  or 
either,  for  that  mat: 

.ve  simply  said  that  a  foreigner  at  Santa  Barbara  would   1 
all  the  n.  ,pcr  time  arrived,  and  that  j 

as  good  as  any,  for  it  left  the  impression  that  we   were  without  i. 

'id  so  escaped  the  avaricious  attentions  of  the  ladrones, 
.ul  considered  .  iwful  plunder. 

In  our  distant  retreat  we  heard  no  word  of  the  war,  or  1, 
gressin;,'.     It  was  a  rare  thing  for  any  one  to  come  near  us,  ar. 
venture3  in   Ux  -che   Refugio,  for  fear  the  •] 

would  a -am  -ivc  us  a  piece  of  her  mind.     The  girls  sen- 
supposed  they  had  forgotten  us,  and  turned  their  attention  to  men  in  their 
•\vn  class  in  life. 

\  a  week  after  our  arrival  a  neighboring  ranchero  rode  up  one 

.  have  a  fandango  at  his  house,  and  wanted  I 
Alberto  and  his  guests  to  come  over  and  enjoy  the  f 
e  lots  of  pretty  -iris,  and  nice  dancers,  and  no  end  of 
ossible   t  meet  Anita  and  Engracia  there,  s 

I  were  so  much  disappointed  in  the  conduct  of  the 

we  not  care  whether  we  went  or  remained  at  home.  isid- 

ered    ih'u   they   had   treated   us   badly,  after  all   our  t;  'ease 

the 

eight  o'clock  we  started  for  the  house  where  the 

place.  not  more  than  a  mile  from  our  quar  moon 

wa  .e  concluded  to  walk  the  distance  instead  of 

ternary  in  the  country. 

down  the  trail  we  noticed  a  dozen^or  twenty  mounted  men 


Lewey  and  /. 

gallop  along  the  path,  and  disappear  in  the  chapparel  on  one  side  of  the 
road   but  pa,d  no  attention  to  them,  as  we  supposed  they  were  some  of    he 

:d  guests,  and  were  crossing  the  country  so  that  they  could  save  time 
and  distance.     To  be  sure  Alberto  said,  — 

The  fandango  will  be  a  great  success,  for  all  the  caballeros  for  mile,  in 
ent  ma,  be  there,  to  judge  by  the  horsemen  who  have  gone  on  ahead  of 

them  •>  ]°        V  Can  bC?     '  did  D0t  Stem  t0  reco*ni*e  *">•  of 


to*  '  but         *          '  an     *°° 

the  adobe  building  where  the  dance  was  to  be  held.     It  was  lucky 

had  left  Jack  at  the  house,  for  there  were  enough  dogs  present  to  have 
him  unhappy  every  visitor  bringing  one  or  more,  and  they  fought  and 

Wned  fi  ?M,  "  'T1™^  and  When  '"en  or  eight  had  a  roaring,  com- 
bmed  fight  the  ends  of  reatas  were  applied  to  all  alike  to  make  them  realize 
3  one  was  to  come  to  blows  except  their  masters 

'c  entered  the  house  there  were  twenty  men  and  thirty  women  and 

a  present.    A  guitar  and  harp  furnished  the  music,  and  already  the  fan- 

was  going  on.     We  glanced  around  the  place,  but  did  not  see  the 

I  were  so  anxious  to  meet.     Every  one  received  us  pleasantly,  and 

many  a  bright   eye  was  cast  toward  us,  in  hope  that  we  would  ask  for  a 

looked  on  for  a  few  minutes,  and  then,  finding  the  room  warm, 

d  tne  a.r  uncomfortable,  went  outside,  and,  as  we  did  so,  saw  some  horse^ 

.en  moving  away  to  the  nght  and  left,  in   the  shadow   of  the  trees    as 

igb  to  gain  the  rear  of  the  house  undetected. 

We  wondered,  but  paid  no  attention  to  the  matter,  for  just  then  a  <oft 
was  laid  on  my  arm,  and  a  tweet  voice  spoke  my  name.     I  turned,  and 
here  before  me  stood  Anita  and  Engracia,  looking  more  lovelv  than  we  had 
ever  seen  them. 

Lewey  held  out  his  arms,  and   pronounced  the  name  of  the  girl  he  had 

ssed  to   love  so  deeply,  and    with  a  bound  she  was  enclosed  in  them 

tender  kisses  were  rained  down  on  her  face  and  neck,  and  he  was  call' 

r  all  the  little  angels  he  could  think  of  in  English,  French,  and  Span- 

sh,  a  jumble  of  everything,  for  he  could  not  speak  fast  enough  to  satisfy 

his  hungry  heart. 

'Will  you  let  my  sister  be  devoured,  while  I   stand  here  idle?"  asked 
Anita,  for  the  girls'  sudden  appearance  had  deprived  me  of  motion  and 
speech,  and    I    could  only   look   at   her  in   wonder,  and   imagine    I    I 
ftaeaming. 

Uut  her  tender  words  recalled  me  to  myself.     I  put  an  arm  around  her 


.J  /. 


ere 
. 

• 

'.  — 

'y  little  d  "U  know  that  we  were  IK- 

:y  softly. 

a:,  although  you  must  have 
;o  see  you?  "  I  said  in  a  reproachful  tone. 

"  Do  not  upbraul  u.-.  "  If  you  but  knew  how  much  we 

red  on  your  account  you  wo;; 

>scd  the  lips  that  were  so  no  a,  and 

glai.  i  the  French  lad  to  see  if  h-  .ilarly  inclined,  and  it  is 

U8eless   •  |  >  :jay  the  slightest  attention  to  me  01 

in  invai: 

.  and  had  a  long  con 
,:id  not  s,  ,.iin, 

you  a^le 

to  support  wives,  or  ta  ..rse  than  all,  . 

denounced   a  ,  and  a  curse  and  excomuuion  were  threatened  us 

- 

I  did  not  blame  the  padre. 
ie  \\eliare  ol  i  arm 

. 

re  on  tin- 
probable   you    would    never   liv 

i  untain  top. 
been  '.  >  I  could  not  just  cli 

mother  k 

n  i  told  n  the  prem 

!  think  she  di  ;  reception  very 


Lewey  and  /. 


lid  not  dare  to  speak  to  you,  and  say  that  we  were  near  and  true," 
rl  continued,  "but  it  was  very  painful  to  hear  you  called  all  man. 
ner  of  hard  names,  and  when  mother  fell  into  the  pot  containing  the  olia 
you  did  not  iaugh,  did  you,  dear  ?  " 
"  Xo,  love,  but  we  desired  to." 

:.  she  says  that  you  did,  and  that  made  her  more  angry  than  any. 
Mother  has  a  sharp  tongue  and  a  bad  one,  so  you  can  imagine 
-it  we  had  to  endure  after  you  were  gone." 

;  Can  you  describe   the  man  who  came  to  your  house  and  warned  your 
mother  and  the  priest  against  us  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Yes,  I  think  that  I  can.     He  was  an  evil-looking  person,  tall  and  thin, 

on  his  right  hand  was  a  vivid  scar.     I   remember  it  well,  for  when  he 

smiled  he  rubbed  it  with  his  left  fingers.     His  frown  was  more  agreeable 

than  a  smile.     I   hated   him  the  moment  I  saw  him,  for  his  presence  was 

evil.'' 

I  had  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  the  portrait.     It  was  that  of  Don  Ante* 

>  Sanchos,  whom  we  supposed  we  had  got  rid  of  forever.     But  it  seemed 

not.     He  had  laid  a  little  trap  on  the  mountains,  and  it  fell  through,  and 

one  of  his  gang  had  got  badly  bitten  by  a  ball  from  my  rifle,  while  The  rest 

fled  at  the  approach  of  the  cavalry.     Sanchos  had  sought  to  destroy  us  by 

an  easy  method,  but  for  fear  of  some  miscarriage  of  his  plans  had  hurried 

on  to  Ranche  Refugio,  and  warned  the  mother  and  the  priest  of  our  com 

:  oisoned  their  minds,  and  thus  defeated  a  happy  reunion. 

.  as  soon  as  the  girl  had  concluded  her  story,  "the  mat 
who  "visited  your  mother  is  our  most  determined  enemy.     He  has  perse 
cutedus  several  times  during  the  last  few  months,  but  we'have  thus  far  de 
He  now  takes  a  mean  revenge  by  seeking  to  separate  us.     DC, 
think  we  could    change  your  mother's  will  by  calling  on  her  and  ex 
-ing  our  honorable  intentions  in  regard  to  yourselves  ?  " 

•red  the  girl  quite  promptly.  "  She  hates,  and  would  not 
hesitate  to  scald  you  if  thtre  was  hot  water  on  the  fire  at  the  time  you 
appeared."  > 

'-red  as  I   im.v-ined  *m  h  a  woman  for  a  mother-in-law.     I  thought 
Iovcd  :cr,  h«t  did  not  like  hot  water,  so  resolved  to  give  the  old 

:  \  and  not  c-oss  her  hawse  if  I  could  prevent  it. 

"  If  I  should  see  the  priest,  Anita,  do  you  think  he  would  listen  to  me?" 

er  head,  as  she  nestled  still  closer  to  me,  and  put  up 
her  lips  for  some  more  kisses.  a»  though  she  was  hungry  for  them. 


and  L 


"  He  says  that  you  are  a  cursed  heretic," she  whispered,  "and,  oh,  I  wish 
you  were  not." 

"  But  my  friend  Lewey  is  a  Catholic,"  I  remarked.  »•  The  priest  can 
to  -»  no  objection  to 

..  he  says  that  the  Frenchman  is  worse  than  the  Yankee,  because 
while  the  latter  has  no  particular  religion  the  former  pretends  to  believ< 
the  saint*,  yet  never  calls  upon  them,  goes  not  to  confession,  and  eats  meat 
Fridays  like  a  sinner.     Is  he  as  bad  as  all  that  ?  " 

Now  here  was  an  excellent  chance  to  follow  the  example  of  the  world 
and  blast  the  reputation  of  a  friend,  but  I  did  nothing  of  the  kind,  for  al- 
ih0l  was  far  from  being  a  pious  young  man  he  was  not  as  bad  a* 

some  people  would  have  believed  him  to  be. 

..  M  .  its  meat  on  Friday  because  he  does  not  keep  the 

run  of  the  days.     He  has  not  confessed  for  the  simple  reason  that  priests 
arc  scarce,  and  time  is  too  precious  for  him  to  hunt  then,  be  is 

.11  be  surprised  at  his  goodness." 

"  I  hope   I   shall,"  she  sighed.     "If  you  had  only  half  < 
should  be 

I  did  not  feel  complimented,  and  was  about  to  declare  that  1  was  a  modd 
when  the  faint  blast  of  a  trumpet  was  heard  in  the  woods  at 
the  rear  se,  and  then  a  dozen  horsemen  :  icm- 

.  js,  and  seemed  to  hold  a  conference.     I   thought  it  si;  :  the 

rancheros  should  act  in  such  a  mysterious  manner,  but  supposed  it  v. 
method   they  had   of  enjoying  themselves,  and  surprising   t 
friends.     The  dance  was  going  on  in  full  force,  and  no  one  pai«l  any  atten- 
to  the  bugle  call,  eve  a  and   Lewey  not  noticing  it,  but  it 

J;t  have  been  were  so  occupied 

liuch  more  interesting  than  the  g  >f  horsemen. 

ft  whispered,  "you  must  become  a 
I  you  do  I 
•n  if  I  consent,  my  dear,  the  priest  will  not  bless  our  union,"  I  /e« 

'.it  shall  we  do  in  that  t 

nent  she  dropped  her  head,  and  appeared  to  think  of  the  mat- 
ter,  then  looked  up  with  love  and  confidence  I  eyes 

and  blushing  face. 

father  will  not  me  as  I  . 

sanction,"  she  cried,  and  put  h-.r  arms  .i">und  my  neck,  and  tear*  fell  from 
her  eyes  aa  she  thought  of  t:,  :nific.ince  of  h  v 

"  Do  you  iniend  it,  Ani  :  knew  that  it  meant  ostracim 


.  id  I. 


.1  her  church  and  home,  from  relatives  and  friends,  a  moral  death  for  one 

and  all  f< 

.can  all  that  I  a  the  firm  reply.     -Take  me  when  you  will, 

and  let  us  hope  ti,  its  will  pardon  us,  and  the  good  :  .  mst 

ly  when  he  sees  that  we  are  linn  in  our  lov 

a  denouement  that  1  had  not  expected  in  so  sudden  a  manner 
I  liked  the  girl  and  was  willing  to  marry  her,  but  I  did  not  wish  to  su, 
to  unjust  remarks  and  suspicions,  or  cause  her  a  moment's  un: 

hesitated,  and  considered  what  I   should  do,  but  my  then 
interrupted  by  Lewey  exclaiming  in  a  tone  of  triumph, — 
-Thorn,  old  boy,  love  has  conquered  at  last,  as  it  alvays  vill  ven  urged  by 
firmness  and   sincerity.  tid   she   come  to  me  vill  vuiout  de 

siiv  of  de  holy  fadder.     Thus  is  my  long  and  steady  devotion  revarded 

To  have  heard  his  rapturous  exclamations  one  would  have   supposed  he 
'iose  constancy  had  never  been  questioned,  or  whose  thoughts 
cmained  true  to  the  one  object  of  his  adoration. 

re  I  could  answer  the  young  man  there  was  another  faint  blast  from 
a  bu-le,  this  time  in  front  of  the  building,  and  a  trumpet  in  the  rear  of  us 
repeated  the  note.  Then  we  saw  horsemen  closing  in  around  the  house, 
and  by  the  moonlight  we  judged  there  were  twenty  or  more  caballeios  near 
us. 

i  and  Engracia  caught  the  sounds,  looked  up,  and  then  exclaimed 
hastily,  — 

lie  house,  in    the  name  of  the   saints.     Oh,   what    is    there  in 
store  for  us  at  the  present  time  ?  " 

A  lively  fandango  was  going  on,  and  we  could  see  the  perform 

the  sounds  of  the  guitar  and  har  -ie  was  outside 

cept  our  o-,vn  party.  The  dogs  uttered  some  unmelodious  sounds  in  re- 
se  to  the  trumpets,  but  as  they  were  always  yelping  no  one  paid  any 
lion  to  them. 

The  \  ,od  us  into  the  house,  and  before  we  asked  for  an 

we  could  hear  the  military  command  of,  — 
it.     Let  no  one  pass.     Shoot  all  who  attempt  to  esr:r 
The  words   \verc   uttcrc  n  the  dancers  I  card 

•is,  while  the  musicians'  fingers  no 

red  in  one  corner  of  the  n».i 
n  to  give  us  the  us  .  An 


Lewey  and  I. 


y  our  sides,  and   seemed  calm  in 
It  at  their  sex. 

i   the  clank  of  sabres,  and  the  clinking  of  c;i 
-  were  got  ready  for  execution,  and  in  a  minute  more 
:i.  and  it  needed  no  second  glance  to  recognize  tv 
uul  his  brother  Carlos,  while  tiie  third 
lexical          nlry,  dressed  in  uniform,  and  rather  a  good-;,' 
Y.     We   imagined  that  we   had  seen   him  b.fute,  at  Mu 

m  exhibition  before  the  elite  of  the  town, 
no  one  attempt  to  escape,"  cried  the  elder  Sanchos.     "  The  d 
id  the  man  who  crosses  the  threshold  without  consent  will 

The  women  uttered  shrill  screams,  and  the  men  looked  at  each  other  in 

1  felt  for  the  long  knives  in   their  leggings   an 
Sanchos  noticed  the  movement,  and  said,  — 

'•  The  ranchero  wh-  cuchiilo,  and  attempts  to  use  it,  dies  like  a 

•  ur  hands  quiet.     We  come  here  in  the  name  of  the  i 
The   Mexican  officer   leaned  on  his  sabre,  and  looked  on.     He  i: 
or  appear  to  appreciate  the  part  he  was  playing. 

heard  all  over  the  room,   and  i*  seemed 
.  regarded  with  favor  by  the  rancheros. 

.  we  arc  not  enganchados,"  Don  Antonio  said.     "  We  are  not  crimps, 
us,  !>ut    Mexicans,  loyal   to  our  country  and  State-  and  anxious 
.re.     We  have  the  warrant  of  General  Castro  for  the  enrollment 
oi  men  for  military  duty,  and  we  now  call  for  volunteers.     M<>mer 
clanger.     The  heretic  Fremont,  and  his  band  of  robbers,  is  on  the  w.v 
irramento  River  to  the  town  of  our  devotion.     lie  must  be 
tured.     To  do  this  we  need  brave  men.     No  others  . 
•nroll  the  names  of  all  who  wish  to  serve  the  State.     Let  each 

,:d  who  desires  to  volunteer." 

•ne  moved.     They  did  not  see  the  fun  of  leaving  tl, 
fighting  for  a  State  government  that  paid  no  mon 

<anchos.     "Who  s; 

or  of  beinj  the  premier  volunteer?     What,  no  one  comes  In  a 

few  nv  all  select  those  I  want,  and  when  I  name  a  man  he  f 

v>tion.  an  :  be  gained  in  O 

•essc  1  with  the  sround:-.  I 

ared.     Ti; 
of  tht  g  on. 


250  Lewey  and  1. 


se  young  men  will  volunteer?"  Don  Sanchos  aske, 
'  full  upon  us,  and  his  smile  was  not  sweet.     ••  I  kno.v  th 
e  a  life  of  happiness  and  ease  as    husbands  of  the  girls  \\hose 
they  hold,  but  let  them  think  how  much  more  pleasant  it  will  be  fu: 
prospects  when  they  return  to  this  place  all  covered  with  glory  and  honor. 
Shall  I   have  the  happiness  of  taking  your  names,  muchachos  ? "  and  the 
fellow  gave  us  a  look  that  did  not  betoken  a  friendly  feeling. 

•,"  answered  Lewey,  "we  have  no  desire  to  fight  against  the  1 
States.     \Ve  shall  remain  here." 

"  I  think  not.     You  will  go  with  us,"  was  the  stern  reply. 
"  Do  you  dare  to  force  a  Frenchman  and  an  American  into  your  army?  " 
Lewey  asked,  forgetting  that  we  had  registered. 

:  to  take  any  one  who  has  signed  a  matriculador.     You  are  sub- 
•1   Mexico,   having  thrown  off  your  allegiance  to  France   and    the 
United  States.     You  were  allowed  a  month's  notice  before  be  in. 
the  army.     That  month   lias   nearly  passed.     Tonight  you  go  with  us,  and 
tomorrow  you  will  be  on  the  way  to  Monterey.     You  have  baffled  m 
or  twice,  but  now  my  time  has  come.     I  coaxed  the  mother  of 
let  them   visit  this   fandango,  for   I  knew  you   were  near  here,  and  would 
probably  attend.  *  Fools,  did  you  think  that   I   was  asleep,  or  had  f<v 
the  indignities  heaped  upon  me?     There  was  only  one  tiling  I 
that  was  you  might  be  induced  to  ship  on  board  of  some  vessel  as  you  have 
been  advised  to   do.     Then  I   might  have  lost  you  and  my  reveng'  . 
love  drove   you   here.     I    had  prepared   the  way  for  your  arrival.      i 
ception  was  a  warm  one,  was  it  not  ?     I  should  like   t  >ed   it. 

You  gringo   d«>gs,  my  hour  of  triumph   has  arrived.     Every   one   in    this 
room  might  escape,  but  you  I  shall  hold  on 

"  You  will  beiieve  us,"  Engracia  cried,  as  she  clung  to  Lewe 

hand  in  this  plot.     We  did  not  know  that  you  were  to  i>e  IK 
were  surprised   when  our  madre  told  us  we  might  venture  to  the  j 
This  is  the  man  who  visited  our  mother,  and  poisoned  her  mir. 
priest.     To  him  are  we  indebted  for  all  of  our  rr.is: 

s  that  has  befallen  us.     Spy  of  the  devil,  we  hope  you 
will  '  :ne  day  for  your  crimes." 

ss  if  complimented.     If  we  had  been  armed  we  might 
him,  but  our  \  re  at  the  rancl 

r  will  on  the  dark-faced  scoundrel. 

"Shame  on  a  government  that  employs  such  men,"  cried  a  voice,  but  the 
other  rancheros  present  were  cowed,  and  did  not  dare  to  express  their 


Lewcy  and  f. 


anted  to  escape  military  duty  if  possible  regardless  of  the 

cc  more,  will  you  sign  for  service?"  demanded  Sanchos. 
.  we  '11  sec  you  blanked  first,"  shouted  Lewey,  and  took  a  step  to- 
our  persecutor,  Engracia  clinging  to  him. 

The  pimp  and  spy  raised  one  of  his  hands  as  a  signal,  and  through  the 
open  door  Hew  a  reata.  It  encircled  the  French  lad's  head  and  arms,  and 
in  an  instant  he  was  prostrate  on  the  floor,  struggling  and  powerless. 
oh,  the  profusion  of  words  he  uttered  in  his  native  tongue,  Spanish,  and 
*  enough  to  shock  the  sensibilities  of  an  old  salt,  had  he  been 
present  to  have  heard  them. 

I  broke  from  the  embrace  of  Anita,  who  strove  to  hold  me  back,  and 
rushed  to  my  friend's  assistance,  and  as  I  did  so  I  heard  a  number  of 
voices  shout.  — 

"  Quedo,"  or  "  take  care,"  but  paid  no  attention  to  them.  I  saw  that 
Lewey  was  a  prisoner,  and  knew  that  I  should  do  what  I  could  to  release 
him,  or  >:KI:C  Irs  fate. 

Before  I  could  gain  his  side  another  lariat  flew  through  the  air,  dropped 
over  my  head,  and  I  was  jerked  to  the  floor,  a  prisoner,  pinioned  so  secure 
ly  that  I  could  not  move  my  arms,  although  my  feet  were  free,  and  I  kicked 
at  Sanchos'  shins,  and  did  him  some  damage,  I  hope,  for  he  stooped  down 
and  rubbed  them,  and  blanked  me  in  choice  Spanish  for  the  pain  I  caused 
him. 

Anita  and  Engracia  knelt  by  our  sides,  and  tried  to  tear  the  reatas  from 
our  persons,  but  they  made  no  progress  in   the   undertak 
Sanchos  smiled  at  the  girls  for  their  devotion.     The  Mexican  milita: 
tleman  lighted  a  cigarette,  and  looked  as  though  rather  amused  at  the  sight 
before  him.  something  novel,  to  say  the  least,  or  perhaps  reminded 

:    tho   method   of   impressing   the    Indians   when   wanted  for  some 
drudgery,  such  as  clearing  the  roads,  or  pulling  guns  through  the  mud. 

ten  to  me/'  said  Sanchos.  as  soon  as  the  confusion  had  subsided. 
«'  At  sospechosos  I  can  doom  you  to  an  instant  death.     I  h.  •  ower. 

But  I  •  for  my  own  purposes,  to  serve  against  the  United   States. 

That  shall   complete  my  revenge,  and  benefit   Mexico  at  the  same  time. 
Will  you  do  s< 

nked  first,"  was  our  ready  answer.     "  Do  your 
black-faced  son  of  a  sea-c. 

He  r.  to  know  that   we    had   refused  his  offer. 

He  motioned  with  hi«  hand,  and  a  greaser  entered  the  room,  bearing  a  re- 


Lewey  and  /. 


ata  made  from  the  tails  and  manes  of  horses.     It  was  rough  and  strong.     A 
Knot  was  formed,  and  thrown  over  my  neck.     Another  Mexu 
forward  with  a  similar  rope,  and  placed  it  around  my  fi lead's  windpipe,  and 
then  the  blood  of  the  French  lad  showed  its  fiery  IK 

"  Ladrones  and  perros,"  he  said,  "do  you  know  that  this  rope  feels  un 
comfortable?  That  a  woman's  arm  is  to  be  preferred  to  a  reata?  Unbind 
my  limbs  and  I  will  agree  to  fight  any  three  of  you  greasers  all  at  once,  or 
first  one  and  then  the  other." 

He  spoke  in  Spanish  so  that  all  could  understand  him.  The  Mexican 
officer  smiled,  and  lighted  a  fresh  cigarette.  He  was  taking  matters  coolly, 
at  all  events. 

*•  Tighten  the  ropes,"  said  Sanchos,  and,  by  Jove,  they  did,  and  the  feel- 
.ts  not  comfortable,  for  the  rough  reatas  cut  into  our  flesh,  and  breath 
ing  became  difficult.     Anita  and  Engracia  were  on  their  knees   beside  us, 
uttering  the  most  doleful  of  cries,  and  wringing  their  hands. 

••  \Vill  you  sign  ? "  shouted  Sanchos,  watching  the  strain  of  the 
reatas. 

\Ve  were  nearly  insensible,  and  made  a  movement  of  assent. 

"  Loosen  the  ropes,"  was  the  order,  and  we  felt  them  taken  from  our 
necks.  We  were  some  minutes  in  recovering  our  respiration,  and  then 
Lewey  said  in  English,  — 

"  Country  is  all  veil  enough,  I  s'pose,  but  I  is  too  young  to  die  vid  many 
sins  on  my  h-ad.  and  some  day  ve  skall  get  a  crack  at  .:ul,  on, 

von't  ve  make  him  jump  if  ve  does.     Ve  vill  sign,  and  don't  you  be  a; 
Ve  skall  not  hurt  de  Americans  by  all  de  tightin'  dat  ve  does.     You 
governed  In  me  in  dis  ding,  and  ve  comes  out  all  right.     Besides,  vot  kirrd 
of  husbands  vould  two  cold  dead  mens  make?     No  girls  have  us  vould. 
Dey  like  live  husbands,  and  blame  them  not  I.     Yes,  ve  vill  sign  anyding 
dat  dey  vants  us  to,  and  I  vish  I  vas  on  board  de  old  ship  vonce  more." 

you  satisfied  ?  "  asked  Sanchos,  as  soon  as  we  were  able  to -look 
around. 

are    satisfied  that  you  can  strangle  us.     What  more  c: 
want .  ir.anded. 

;:;itures  to  this  paper.     I  know  that  you  can  wiite.     Sign,"  and 
he  ordered  our  arms  to  be  released,  and  thrust  a  pen  into  our  h.r 

>p  to  read  the  whole  document.     We  saw  lli  .in  en 

rollment  in  the  s?rvice  of  the  State   of  California  for  the  space  of  five  years, 
sooner  di -charged,  subject  to  all    th-  t    military  discipline, 

•lough  for  us.     We  .<!  the  instant  we  had  done  I 


Lewty  and  /. 

stepped  forward,  and  told  us  to  hold   up  our  right  hand*. 

:ig  to  do  but  comply.     He  mumbled  over  some  words,  and 

then -we  'vue  oui.iicrs  of  Mexico,  and  the  next  instant  Anita  and  Kngraci*. 

.ir  the  fools  apart,"  yelled  Don  Antonio.  "The  Mexican  soldier  hat 
other  business  beside  love-making." 

started  to  comply  with  the  order.    Then  the  Mexican  officer 

^.ibre  in  his  hand. 

i  the  lovers  alone,"  he  said.  "It  is  but  a  ihort  time  they  will  have 
for  such  trifling.  Th.y  surely  can  enjoy  themselves  while  they  have  the 
chance." 

t  I  order  them  to  be  separated,"  Sanrhos  thundered,  "and  my  word 
here." 

t  quite,"  was  the  answer.     "  The  men  are  now  soldiers  of  Mexico, 

.1  obey  me,  not  you.     Your  power  ceased  when  they 

passed  from  civil  life  to  that  of  a  military  career.     Xow  the  men  are  under 

:.     Interfere  with  them  at  your  peril." 

Don  Sanchos  turned  on  the  young  officer  as  if  to  assault  him,  but  the 
i  raised  his  sabre,  and  it  would  have  fallen  on  the   head  of  the 
.:ulrel  if  he  had  advanced  a  step. 

"  I  shall  report  you  to  General  Castro,"  Sanchos  muttered.     "  He  will  see 
•  >u  are  punished  for  daring  to  defy  me." 

.it  yourself  in  that  respect.     I  know  my  duty  and 

you  d<>  .  inchador,  or  pimp,  like  you,"  and  the  young  fellow 

showed  the  contempt  that  he  felt  for  the  man  who  had  caused  him  such  dis 
able  duty.      Then  he  turned  to  us,  and  said,  — 

izc  both  of  you  young  men.     I  was  in  Monterey  the  night  you 

gave  the  exhibit  iblo,  how  much  I  did  laugh.     I  was  told  tl 

were  matriculadors,  and  liable  to  serve   in  the  army.     Had    I  known  all  I 

have   remained  away,  and  let  you  enjoy  the  company  of  the  girls 

red  of  them.     Don  Sanchos  seems  to  have  some  spite  against 

:o  defeat  it,  and  set  him  at  defiance,  is  to  go  with  me. 

i  the  army,  and  you  shall  serve  in  my  company.     I  promise 

you  kind  treatr  \.trk.     Had    you   not  signed  that  con- 

foundo  r  1  i  let  you  go  free.     But  it  is  too  late. 

must  make  the  best  of  it,  and  be  faithful  to  Mexico.     Long  life  to  the  re- 

ifusion  to  its  enemies." 

No  one  took  up  the  cry  and  repeated  it.     The  cuj>uin  said  that  his  name 
was  Fernando,  and   that  he   wai  endeavoring  to  fill  up  hif  comp.v; 


Leivey  and  L 


should  repair  to  Monterey  as  soon  as  possible  to  meet  an  expected  a. 
by  Fremont,  his  trappers  and  Indians. 

"  I  know  you  have  been  sailors,"  the  captain  said,  while  Sanchos  stood 
glowering  at  us,  "  for  I  have  seen  you  on  ship  board  many  •  le  on 

the  coast.     You  can  ride  quite  fairly,  but  before  you  have  been  in  : 
ry  a  year  you   will  sit  your  horses   like  real   ranchcros.     I  noticed  you  in 
Santa   Barbara  the  other  day.     You  were   well  mounted,  and  looked  like 
brave  young  fell  iws.     I  hope  you  will  prove  so.     Serve  the-State  faithfully, 
and  when  the  war  is  over  come  here  and  marry  the  girls,  and  with  them  you 
can  receive  a  ^rant  of  land  that  it  will  take  you  all  day  to  ride  o •. 
in  we  marry  before  we  are  forced  to  march  ?  "  I  demanded. 

"No.  I  want  no  new  bridegrooms  in  my  company.  All  thoughts  of  love 
must  be  thrown  aside  until  the  war  is  over." 

The  girls  uttered  a  loud,  wailing  cry  as  they  heard  the  command,  and 
saw  that  their  anticipated  happiness  was  to  be  postponed  to  some  indefinite 
period. 

"  I  knows  lots  of  girls  in  Monterey,"  Lewey  whispered.     "  It  von': 
bad  as  it  seems.     As  soldiers  of   Mexico  dey  vill  smile  on  us  much  more 
den  eber." 

No  misfortune  dampened  that  boy's  courage  or  anticipations.     I: 
always  bokin  i  to  something  bright  and  pleasant,  an  1  did  not  pro 

pose  to  die   with   a  broken  heart,  if  he  could  help  it.     The  girls  would  not 
have  :c-d  had  they  understood  my  friend's  comments  on  the  situa 

tion,   Ira.  \\Q   spoke   in    English,    so    they   were    ignorant    of    his 

meat:: 

"  It  is  useless  to  keep  up  that  howling,"  the  captain  remarked,  r.s  the 
girls  their  cries  to  take  breath,  and  then  began  agai: 

s  and  do  your  spooning  there.     We  have  some  lerioui  wort  to  do  here 
yet." 

"  Arc  you  not  afraid  to  trust   us  so  far  away  from  your  presence  ?  "   I 

"  No,  for  the  place  is  surrounded  by  my  men,  and  any  attempt  to  < 
would  be   disastrous  to  you.     Give  me  your  word  that  you  will  report  here 
tomorrow  morning,  with  your  horses  and  equipments,  and  you  may  sec  the 
I  home,  ar.  og  farewell  of  them." 

okc-1    at   IV. n   Sanchos  and  his  brother  Carlos,  and  the  « 
derstood  the  meaning  of  the  glances. 

"You   need   not  fear  the  enganchadors,'' the  offi-cr  sai.l,  in 
tone.     "  I  shall  keep  them  with  me.     The  person  who  dares  t •> 


against  a  regular  Mexican  soldier  would  have  but  a  few  days  to  live.     Do 
you  promi.- 

s  senor,  we  promise,"  was  our  ready  answer,  for   we  saw  that  Don 
Antonio  did  not  approve  of  the  project,  and  \ve  wanted  to  annoy  him. 

••  Sergeant,  pass  these  men  and  the  girls  outside  of  the  line.     Let  them  go 
where  they  please,  and  see  that  they  are  not  annoyed,"  was  the  captain's 
command,  but  just  as  we  were  leaving  the  room  our  friend  Alberto   rushed 
ird. 

i  will  release  me,  senor  captain  ?  "  he  cried.     "  To  serve  in  the  army 
ruin  me.     My  cattle  would  go  astray  and  my  ranche  overrun  during 
fence.     Please  let  me  return  to  my  home,  and   I  will  donate  twenty 
>  for  the  use  of  the  government." 

o  proposl-.i  i)  >n  Sanchos  cried.     "As  the  agent  of 

have  the  po-.ver  to  gmnt  '  a  consideration. 

You  c  .erto  left  the  room  with  us,  and,  confound  him,  he  did 

Ot,  take  a  hint,  but  i  the  \\ru  home  with  us  and  the 

like    a  born  idiot  while 

I,      \V<    •      .  .    m  to  return  to  his  ranche,  ami  that  we  would  join 
>ur,  but  he  sai  1th*:  our  safety  prompted 

the  youn_ 

but  finally  concluded  to  let  him  live,  then  kissed  the  girls  a  sad  farewell,  and 
!iem,  promising  to  retur  as  possible. 

is  is  the  end  of  all  our   hopes  and  ambitio  as  we 

retraced  our  steps  toward  the  ranche.     "  It  is  the  sacll 
received." 

"Don't  you  be  cast  down,"  my  friend   remarked.     "  De   U.j' 
vill  knock  dc  Mexicans  higher  dan  a  kite  in  a  leetle  vi! 
much  fi^htin'  to  do,  and  ven  it  is  all  ober  den  ve  vill  1 
I  sees   much   fun  in  de  life  of  a  sojer.     And,  artor  all.  it  is  no: 
man  to  tie  himself  clown  vcn  he  is  \  :   not  seen  much  <>: 

S'pose  ve  should  meet  some  von  ve  liked  better  dan  d- 
late  ?     By  gar,  dat  vould  be  bad  for  us.     Ail  is  for  de  1 

here  comes  de  c.  Let  us  step  into  de   cha 

vait  for  'em  to  pass,  for  dey  might  make* a  t  i!e  wrong 

parties." 

'lodged  out  of  the  road,  hid  in    the  .nted  forty 

horsemen,  and  eight  impressed  rancher  : '.taring 

doleful  complaints   because   they  had  no  moncj  or  personal 
bribe  Don  Sanchos  and  his  brother 


T  ami  /. 


After  the  cavalcade  had  passed  we  resumed  our  course,  and  soon  arrived 
at  the  ranci.e.  We  did  not  feel  like  sleeping  with  the  prospect  before  us, 
so  made  a  fire,  and  prepared  a  pot  of  coffee,  and  then  sat  and  smoked 
for  an  hour  or  more,  not  too  well  pleased  with  our  evening's  entertainment, 
;>ough  we  had  been  to  a  randan-.,,  ue  had  danced  to  very  discordant 


music 


vith  speculations  on  the  futun  •  to  sleep,  and  when 

we  a  voke  the  In  ,i.ia  woman  had  prepared  a  n!  Q  ]lonor  of  our 

departure.     \Ve   1  n.ught  in  our  horses,  rubbed    t  ;e  all 

preparations  for  going  to  the  rendezvous  a -reed  u; 

for  us,  and  regretted  that  we  must  part,  but  was  too  cape 

from  military  dunes  to  shed  many  tears  over  ,  Q  his 

mustangs  in  the  corral,  selected  the  poorest  lot  that  he  .  ;    W;ls   all 

ready  to  drive  them  to  the  h  >use  where  the  far.  \t  as  soon 

I)  re  pa  red  to  '. 

-1  not  k  to  do  about    I  in  t]ie 

way  if  we  took  him,  and  might  break  his  heart  should  I  leave  him 

behind.     The  poor   animal  sat  and   looked  at  us  while  the  discussion  was 
going  on,  and  i  belijve  that  he  understood  ever  re  said,  for  all 

at  once   he   threw   back   his  head,  and  uttered 

poured  out  of  his  eyes  like  those  of  a  human  being  .,  .  ,.ti   some 

great  disaster. 

ve  vill  take  him/'  Lewey  cried.  "Jack  can  look  artcr  himself 
as  veil  as  ve  can.  He  knows  more  dan  a  greater,  I  dink,"  and  the  dog 
showed  his  appreciation  of  the  words  by  attempting  to  k  t.s. 

At   nine  o'clock  we   slung  our  rifles  over  our  shoulders.  -i>y  to 

the  cook,  mounted  our  horses,  and  helped  Alberto  drivel)  ,  the 

Iczvous.     We  found  Captain   Fernando  and  his  :  ,  jve 

md  the  military  gentleman  said  with  a  1  nigh   that   Don  Sancl,- 
'.\  occupied  at    Ranche    Refugio  he    could  not  i  to  watch  our 

departure.     We  knew  that  the  scoundrel  was  determined   the  girls  should 
not  see  us  again,  and  was  the  means  of  their  being  housed  until  \vc  v. 
many  miles  on  our  course. 

Our  captain  was   not  a  bad-hearted  fellow,  and   I   have  no  doubt  would 
willingly  have  consented  to  our  disch.r  the  evil  influ 

ence  of  the  spy  at  head-quart  intCil  us 

porals  on  the  spot,  our  badge  of  office  being  a  strip  of  yellow  cotton  cloth 
pinned  on  the  left  arm  of  our  jackets.  I  think  we  were  thus  promoted  on 
account  of  our  carrying  riiles  and  pistols^  which  appeared  to  produce  a  pro- 


• 


ind  impression  on  the  minds  of  our  companions,  for  .  took 

oven  the  commander  of  the  company  .- 

:  11  a  lot  of  gringos  before  the  wa:  'hose 

I,  who  could  handle  a  knife  but  not  a  i; 

iVe  had  not  the  slightest  knowledge  ol  -novemer- 

:d  any  on  the  match.     The  captain  was  to  ride  in  were 

lered  not  to  crowd  too  closely  on  him.     Then  came  the  t 

1  the  rest  of  us  as  we  pleased.     Leweyand  I  took  our  places  somewhere 

ir  the  rear  of  the  horsemen,  so  that  Jack  could  see 

:  that 
did  not  care  if  there  were  fifty  perros  -»ther 

fhe  impressed  men  were  mounted  on  Alberto's  1;.  rs  of 

;ret  at  the  idea  of  leaving  places  where  they  had  been  living  idle  lives  for 
"•' •'>•     In  fact,  1  c  other  people 

I  more  than  ourselves  that  we  ac:  tcned  up,  and  when  the 

•ode  to  the  rear,  to  see  that  his  troop  i±n  were  all  t 

1  looked  warlike,  my  friend  asked,  — 

'Senor  Capitan,  how  much  per  month  is  the  pay  of  a  first-class  ca. 
n  like  myself  ?  " 

•„  dollars  and  found,''  was  the  answer. 

re   sh.ill   we   find    the    eight    dollars  when    it  /\vey 

. 

\\  sabe,"  was  the  answer  an  !  ;he  shoulders, 

are  kind,  but  they  will  not  :  iave 

take  your  pay  in  land.  cheap,  and  there  is  en^ 

patron   saint,   I   believe  that    I  best  compan\ 

•-,"  and  we  commenced  our  journey  to  Monterey,  and  all  t! 
nche  Refugio,  i 
uld  have  waved  their  handkerchiefs  for  our  benefit  if  they  had  owne<'. 

.lid  not,  a  shake  of  then  .s  the  next  be"  ,  the 

>  pretty  sisters  came  ne.ir  us,   and    Lewey  raised  :  rero,   and 

med  to  feel  a  littl -  .at  he  was  a  i  .  the  you 

iled  or.  him,  and  called  him  a 

.kcil  at  me  as  : 
' 

I  should  come  back  here  a  hofficer  vou  ol  dem  jprls  vould  be 


25  8  Lewey  and  I. 


glad  to  jump  at  me  as  a  husband,  and  it  vould  n't  be  a  bad  match.     You 
take  von  and  I  de  udder." 

"  Adelante,  muy  presto,"  was  the  command,  and  we  rode  away  from  the 
fascinating  faces,  and  in  a  little  while  my  friend  had  forgotten  the  pretty 
sisters,  and  was  thinking  of  other  matters,  probably  where  he  should  find 
senoritas  capable  of  holding  his  attention  for  a  week  at  least. 

We  followed  the  trail  that  led  to  San  Luis  Obispo,  but  when  the  after 
noon's  sun  was  hot  we  halted  near  a  ranche,  unsaddled  and  piquetted  our 
horses,  and  then  there  were  orders  to  capture  a  bullock,  and  kill  it.  The 
owner  of  the  property  came  toward  us,  and  called  the  men  all  the  vile  names 
he  could  think  of,  but  our  captain  only  laughed  at  him,  and  smoked  cigar 
ettes  in  his  face.  The  ranchero  went  over  a  hill  at  a  dashing  pace  as  if  to 
summon  help,  and  Lewey  and  I  walked  toward  the  adobe  house  <o  see  if 
there  were  any  terrified  females  who  needed  assurances  of  protection  from 
the  officers  of  the  Mexican  army.  We  supposed  there  were  ladies  at  home, 
but  they  had  shut  and  bolted  the  doors,  and  we  could  not  get  a  view  of 
them.  They  seemed  to  fear  us,  I  judged  from  appearances,  and  I  did  not 
wonder  at  it. 

While  searching  one  of  the  out  buildings  we  came  across  a  barrel  that 
attracted  our  attention.  We  knocked  out  the  bung,  smelled  of  the  contents, 
and  it  seemed  to  us  to  be  aguardiente.  We  inserted  a  straw,  and  tasted. 
It  was  rum,  and  no  mistake,  and  old  at  that.  We  saw  a  fine  chance  for  re 
freshing  and  cheering  our  comrades.  One  of  them  was  near  us,  seeking 
what  he  could  steal  and  cany  away.  We  pointed  to  the  barrel,  and  men 
tioned  the  word  aguardiente.  It  was  enough.  In  an  instant  the  greaser 
was  on  his  knees,  and  filling  himself  with  the  fiery  liquor.  We  left  him  at 
his  work,  and  strolled  back  to  the  camp,  and  there  encountered  a  little  rat- 
eyed  sergeant,  the  only  man  who  knew  anything  of  military  duty  in  the 
command,  aside  from  the  captain. 

"Sergeant,"  I  said,  "one  of  our  men  is  filling  himself  with  rum  at  the 
house.  There  is  a  barrel  of  it,  old  and  good." 

"Holy  Virgin,  do  you  mean  it?"  the  old  fellow  asked,  and  made  a 
straight  course  for  the  house. 

We  hinted  the  same  information  to  the  rest  of  the  men,  and  in  ten  min 
utes  there  was  no  one  in  camp  but  the  captain  and  ourselves.  The  former 
was  smoking  cigarettes,  as  usual,  and  reclining  under  a  tree,  his  hcs-i  on  a 
saddle. 

"  Cabo  de  esquadra?  "  asked  our  commander,  "  where  have  all  the  men 
gone  ? "  * 


.    uv;7  /. 


in,"    Lewey   answered,  "I    think  they   have   f«>und  some- 
worth  stealing  at  the  house.     Th  '.ined  that 

e  careies^  -   let  thctn 

load  down  the  horses,"  and  then  the  \oun^  fellow  to,.k  i.  and 

:nust  have   slept   half  an    IH>IT    when  he  v,.  ..<nse  that 

proved  the  mm  was  oper.ui 

.  mi  soldiers  issued  from  the  building,  some 

rullii^  the  barrel,  and  othti  ng  to  stop  it>  :hal  more 

drink  coul  1  be  obtained.     At  one  moment  half  a  dozen  of  the  greasers 
piled  up  on  top  of  each  other,  and  the  person  \\  i  the 

km,  . .  to  give  place  to  another  man,  perhaps  a  trifle  . 

drunk  thai  th< 

the   captain,    "what    is    the    meaning    of    all    this, 

though  the  gallant   heroes    were  drunk,"    1 

"  1   think   you   are  right,"  our  superior  said.     "  Keep  the  dogs  ana 

ober  \\\.-  will  boot  and  saddle." 

.,fthe-,\K  ne  toward  us  with  a  calabash  of 

diente  in  his  hand. 

•  I), ink  to  the  success  of  Mexico,  and  confusion  to  her  enemk 

II  handing  the  liquor  to  us,  stepped  on  Jack's  tail.     The 
jn,i  Bonded  by  a  grab  at  the  seat  of  tb  ,  and 

out  a  me  '  -loth,  such  as  it  was,  while  the  man  uttered  so . 

burled  around  rapidly,  tumbled  to  the  ground,  spilling  the 

vent  to  sleep. 

this  debauch,"  Captain   Fernando  remarked,  as  he 
sabre.     "Take    your    rirk-s,    and    come 

•..is  a  job  we  did  not  care  f  the  you 

pluck,  we  could  do  no  less  than  follow  him,  and  see  how  he  would  subdue 
the  r.  .lers. 

The  captain  marched  up  to  the  barrel,  pusher  were 

.  — 
so    the    rum   uill    run    out.     We  have  had  drinking 

Tdicntc  alone,1'  one  ferocieus    Mexican  s..!  ours 

10  one  sh.  •  us  of  it." 

The  young  officer  rained  his  sabre,  and  dealt  the  speaker  a  blow  with  th$ 


2  Co  Lfwey  and  I. 


flat  ot  the  bla-Ic,  full  on  his  .'Ic  was  one  of  the  rantl. 

who  night  before, ;  •..'.     .  1  ;:ot  quite  comprehend  military 

duty  i  a  superior. 

The  greu^.-r  v.as  hot-tempered  and  quick.  Like  a  flash  he  drew  his  long, 
sharp  knife,  and  made  a  bound  for  the  captain.  He  was  drunk,  but  not  so 
intoxicated  as  to  prevent  his  hand  being  firm.  The  blow  would  have  struck 
the  yo-.ing  officer  full  upon  the  breast,  if  we  had  not  noted  the  act,  and 
raised  the  butt  of  our  rifles.  With  a  crash  we  let  the  breach  of  our  guns 
fall  upon  the  Mexican's  arm,  and  it  fell  to  his  side,  and  the  cuchillo  dropped 
to  the  gr  und. 

officer  remarked  in  a  cool,  unconcerned  manner,  as  he 
noticed  our  act.     "  I  won't  forget  this,  be  assured." 

The  '•  -idlers  appeared  frightened  at  what  had  occurred,  while  the 

would-be  assassin  moaned  with   pain.     Some  of  the  men  began   to  move 
Away,  as  tho  ;<h  they  had  partaken  of  all  the  fun  they  desired. 

"Sergeant,"  said  the  captain,  lighting  a  cigarette,  "find  a  reata,  and 
bring  it '. 

He  spoke  to  the  fierce  little  Mexican,  the  only  person  who  seemed  to 
know  much  about  military  duties,  except  his  superior  and  one  or  two 

OtlK 

The  fellow  with  the  broken  arm  turned  as  if  to  move  away. 

It,"  thundered  the  captain.     "Remain  as  you  were.     Move  a  step, 
and  I  '11  cut  you  down  like  a 

The  lie  sergeant  came  toward  us  with  a  lariat,  saluted, 

and  a  ers. 

and  the  dog's  neck,  and  hang  him  to  the  nearest  tree,*' 
the  capt.i 

The  sergeant  coolly  proceeded  to  do  the  bidding,  but  when  the  criminal 

led  and  resisted,  the  captain  turned  to  f  <1  myself. 

"Corporals,  aid  the  sergeant,"  he  said,  "in  hanging  that  scoundrel." 
"Captain,"  we  both  exclaimed,   "we  do  not  relish  that  kind  of  work. 
;se  detail  some  one  else  to  do  it  ?     A  hangman's  position  is 
one  no*  to  ' 

"Oh,  yes.     Xo  need  of  making  c\  i  [ere.  you  two,  come  and  help 

his  man,"  speaking  to  some  of  his  reg-. 

The  ;  >n  the  wretch,  who  no  U, 

stri:  rcata  around  his  neck,  and  dragged  him   to  a  tree. 

one  monstrale,  even  if  all  -i1-:,  or  under  the  influence  of 

f  the  men  were  asleep,  and  knew  not  what  was  going  on. 


The  captain  lighted  a  fresh  cigarette,  and  appeared  the  most  unconcerned 
man  in  the  camp. 

"  Captain,"  I  said,  •*  is  there  no  mercy  f  >r  the  greaser  ?  " 

"  Xo.     Why  do  you  ask  ? ''  was  the  short  answer. 

"  To  see  if  there  was  any  hope  of  p;r  Ion,  His  crime  is  great,  but  his 
punishment  is  tcrr; 

"He  dies,"  was  all  the  answer  the  young  fellow  made,  and  turned  his 
.  onus,  returned  to  the  tree  and  resumed  his  horizontal  position,  car- 
L  ,  no  more  for  the  life  of  his  countryman  than  that  of  a  sick  dog,  if  quite 
as  much. 

44  Le  J,  as  we  avoided  looking  at  the  scene  of  the  hanging,  *•  the 

next  time  we  find  a  barrel  of  aguardiente  we  will  spill  the  contents    on  the 
ground.     Our  joke  has  not  been  a  success  thus  f;ir." 

And  the  French  lad  crossed  himself,  like  a  good  Catholic,  and  muttered  a 
prayer  for  the  dead,  as,  when  he  ventured  to  steal  a  look  at  the  tree,  dang- 
ling  from  a  limb  was  the  lifeless  body  of  the  greaser. 

I  do  not  know  if  the  execution  was  an  example  of  Mexican  military  se 
verity,  and  legal  or  illegal.  At  any  rate,  the  young  officer  took  upon  him 
self  the  responsibility  of  hanging  a  man  for  an  attempted  murder.  There 
was  no  court-martial  held,  and  no  one  asked  for  an  explanation  at  Monte 
rey,  when  we  arrived  there.  This  may  have  been  Mexican  law,  but,  if  it 
was,  some  changes  were  needed,  it  seemed  to  me  at  the  time. 

At  four  o'clock  the  trumpets  sounded  to  saddle,  and  the  men,  with  aching 
heads,  were  awakened,  kicked  and  cuffed  into  motion,  and  at  last  got  in  line 
for  inspection.     The  body  of  the  dead  still  dangled  from  the  tree,  no  orders 
_;  been  issued  to  cut  it  down. 

uliers,"  said  the  young  captain,  "  you  have  witnessed  a  slight  exam- 
>f  punishment  for  military  insubordination.  Let  it  be  a  warning  to  you 
in  the  future.  The  good  and  brave  will  be  rewarded.  The  cowardly  pun« 
ished.  Corporals  Thorn  and  Lewey  are  promoted  to  the  rank  of  serg. 
for  saving  my  life.  Hereafter  they  will  ride  near  me,  at  the  head  of  the 
troop,  as  my  body-guard.  Long  live  Mexico  and  the  republic.  Death  to 
her  enenr 

'.vhispcred   Lr  \I1  dings  is   for  de  best,  artei 

all.    Ve  keeps  on,  and  soon   ve  skall   be  ginerals,  and  den  vot  von  k; 
bat  ve  can  m.irry  (ic  pretty  sisters." 

"And  fo  Engracia?"  I  asked,  in  tones  of  reproach. 

ve  should  hab  to  look  higher.     Our  stations  in  life  vo 
»o  '.liff  -  -  vould  be  fools  to  gib  our  hands  unless  dar  vas  some 


'ill  /. 


•:^in'  to  us  ;;  to  me,  for  I  knows 

.  is  a  little  more 

firm   in    his  love  affairs,  and  not  so  worldly  in  hopes  and  aspirations.     The 
-•jfficient  to  set  him  m.ike   him  forget  all  past 

s.     The  _;  in  which  lie  was  constant  was  his 

:  ,. That  never  wavered  or  ^rew  c.-ld,  and  he  w, 

.     lint  wit. 

h  and  hope  he  would  improve  -Hence. 

1C  there  was  nv  in   the  lad's  s  ..     The  sis- 

i  had  mo  esirable  things  iu  a 

when  the  i  made  of  our  :  : 

ikm,  not  that  the  men  were  envious,  for  i  the  manner  in  which  we 

•uit  because  their  heads  were  dazed  by  the  debauch  ol 

the  dr.  •  heeled    in  i    i>:    fours,  and    went  on  our  way.  to  the 

u'he,  it  is  probable,  and  the  indii; 

of  the  owner.     !  •  ,ive  been  surp;  -i  he  returned  to  see  what 

f  fruit  one  of  his  re,  for  we  lelt  the  Mexican  where  he  had 

^cd. 

•amped  at  ig,  and  went  thiou 

town  like  a  flock  of  hungry  wolves.     Nothing  was  :     m  the  hands  of 

rs.     Chickens   and  pi^s  were  'iercvcr  found,  and   for  a 

:  I  seemed  to  catch  the  infec 

r  all  whom  we  encountered.  1  h  id 

house,  where  I   tl  •  could 

:id    went    in.     Lewey  had 
more  promising  in  another  di 

-.t?"  ilcnnnd-  lerly  lady.   I  .»nc,  I 

could  tell  that  by  the  first  glance  at  her  face  and  gray  liair. 

:  answered.     "  I  have  traveled  .ill  ni  ;'it,  and  am  fanr 

and  off  catne  my   hat,  and   I    made   a  low  bo\v   to  the  only  inmate  of  the 
room. 

11  Ar  '.e  demanded  in  a  haughty  tone.     "You 

do  not  speak  like  one." 

"I  am  not  a  Mexican,  but  at  present  a  soldier.  nn«?t  I  rrn 

to  say.     We  have   marched  all  ni^ht,  and  ti 
If  I  d  pray  let  me  rel  .      '.ieh   I  seek  I.i 

other  place.  at   she  stopped 

me  w  ire. 


Lewey  and  I. 


1  be  served  with  the   best   the   house 

moment  four  of  our  men  opened  the  door  of  the  casa,  and 
dashed  into  the  room.     They  had  seen   my  horse  in  the  corral,  and  sup- 
i  that  1  had  struck  a  bonanza  in  the  shape  of  feed, 
looked  the  indignation  she  felt. 

.sc,   you   unmannerly  ruffians,"   she   said   to   the   new- 

com 

.  ,  to  the  devil,"  was  the  curt  answer  of  the  cavalrymen. 

to  eat,  and  mean  to  pillage  the  house." 

, is  moment  a  door  opened,  and  a  pretty  little   woman  entered,  lead- 
in-  a  child  bv  the  hand.     She  tool  »t  the  fear  she  fel:. 

tret,.  the  little  one  was  whimpering,  and  cling-.  motl 

ski: 

»r  the  first  kiss,"  cried  one  of  my  men,  and  he 
i  the  prize,  and  threw  his  arms  around  her.     She  uttered  a  shrill  st; 
of  U;  her  child  repeated  the   cry,  and  covered  its   face   with  tl 

mother's  dress. 

-  I  .....  t  only  a  dozen  warm  ones,"  a  second  man  said,  and  he  1 
bound  for  a  share  of  the  kisses. 

I  clubbed  my  rifle,  and  let  it  fall  upon  the  fellow's  head,  -the  on< 
had  first  proposed  the  1  ime.      He  dropped  to  the  floor  half  stunned, 

and  then  I  hit  the  second  scoundrel  a  blow  that  laid  him 

•Ue-1  to  the  door. 
e  two  uninjured  greasers  hesitated  for  a  moment,  and  their  eyes 

entered  the  room,  in  search  of  me,  and  to 
that  he  had  found  lushings  of  feed. 

he  asked. 

•  men  have  insulted  the  red. 

Insult  de  ladies?     No  Frenchman  stand  by  and  see  dat.    Ve 
vil!  love  ilcm  -  ill  die  for  dem,  but.  -  -H  '"suit 

vhi]  to  strike  a  blow.     Get  out  of  dis,  you  black-heartc 

Vt  know  enough  a  kiss  to  vin  by  fair  means, 
kcrl  the  two  greasers  from  the  roon 

time   the  injurrd    I  :  the'"  fcet  an(1  sltmk  out  c 

they  dk!  not   dare' 
.-commissioned  officers,  and  therefore  had  a  1. 

AC  owe  you  thanks  for  why 


Lewey  and  /. 


done.     Your  good  action  shall  not  go  unrewarded.     My  husband,  General 
Castro,  shall  be  informed  of  this  at  an  early  d  te  too  will  be  pleased 

to  compliment  you." 

This  was  a  surprise  to  us,  but  we  could  only  bow,  and  bless  our  stars  that 
we  had  bshavcd  in  a  decent  manner,  and  not  like  ruffians.  But  there  was 
greater  astonishment  yet  in  store  for  us. 

"This  caballero  appears  to  have  forgotten  me,"  said  the  pretty  little 
mother,  as  soon  as  she  had  quieted  her  child,  and,  as  she  came  forward, 
placed  a  small  hand  in  mine.  "  I  fear  that  I  am  not  so  attractive  as  before 
my  marriage,  if  a  boy  forgets  me  thus  quickly.'' 

She  was  the  nice  little  girl  who  one  day  had  given  me  a  kiss  at  Monterey, 
just  out  of  fun  and  a  spirit  of  mischief,  and  the  lady  who  had  promised  me 
a  dozen  of  the  same  kind  at  the  time  she  supposed  the  town  was  attacked 
by  wild  Indians,  and  then  refused  to  complete  the  bargain,  saying  that  I 
was  a  fool  not  to  take  them  when  I  had  a  chance.  I  never  thought  that  she 
treated  me  well,  on  that  account,  but  now  that  she  stood  before  me,  a  pret 
ty  little  wife,  with  a  child  by  her  side,  I  forgave  all,  and  would  have  kissed 
her  willingly,  if  I  supposed  she  cared  aboir.  it. 

"How  handsome  you  arc/'  I  remarked,  wanting  to  say  something  light 
and  graceful,  that  would  prove  acceptable,  and  not  toe  abrupt,  —  kind  of  a 
delicate  compliment. 

"  Do  you  think  so  ?  "  she  asked,  and  smiled. 

"  I  am  certain  that  I  never  saw  any  one  so  beautiful  as  you,"  was  my  re 
sponse,  and  I  heard  Lewey  groan,  as  though  he  doubted  the  truth  of  the 
statement. 

i  always   was  a  good  boy,  and  I  now  think  you  a  nice  young  man," 
the  little  wife  exclaimed,  and  then  Lewey  acted  as  though  he  was  sick.     I 
:  to  kick  him  he  was  so  rude.     "  You  may  take  one  kiss  for  this 
ing's  kindness,"  the  pretty  little  woman  said,  and  put  up  her  lips. 
"It  sick  makes  me   to  see   so  much  slobbcrin'  goin'  on,"  my  friend  re 
marked  with  a  groan. 

He  wanted  a  chance  himself,  but  the  mother  knew  goodness  when  she 
saw  it,  and  kept  the  French  lad  at  a  distance. 

The  Senora  Castro  did  not  even  frown  as  I  bent  down  and  saluted  the 
.d  small  mouth  held  up  for  the  kiss.  I  had  just  finished  the 
liity  when  the  door  opened,  and  in  walked  our  captain,  1 

.iahed  at  seeing  his   two  sergeants  present,  and   talking  to 
.  very  free  yd  couiU-ous  manner. 
he  said,  "  what  the  devil  are  you  doing  here?"  and  then,  to  oui 


,   and  /. 


surprise,  the  pretty  little  wife  threw   herself  into  :  jd  the 

mes,  whi;  I. cwcy  so  discontent  wanted  to 

kick  Jack,  but   thought  better  of  it,  and  only  muttered  about  ! 
when  so  many  good  things  wore  thrown  away  on  the  unc:< 

lied  the  little    wife,  as  soon   ai 

"how  surp:  ::ted  I  am  to  see  you.     I  did  not  know  yo 

near  me.     I   supposed  you   were  still  at  Santa  IJarba,-  -r  your 

oomp 

company  is  nearly  full,  and  I  am  on  my  way  to  Moutert 

uul  march  tonight,"  the  cap: 

.e  of  the  saints  go  sooner,"  Senora  Castro  exclaime  ' 
think,  from  w'.iat  I  have  seen,  that  your  men  must  be  the    worst  in   C 
nia.     The;.  insulted  us  already." 

Captain  Fernando   demanded,  and  put  his  hand  on  his 
sabre,  and  g*ve  us  a  look  that  did  not  speak  well  for  our  future 

•'  Four  ot  your  men  attempted    to  kiss  me,"  the  younj; 
were  other v.  ;t,"  and  here  she  sobbed,  but  did  not  sa;  about 

the  salute  she  had  given  me. 

;  blanked  l.ulrones,"  howled  the  captain,  and  would  have  fully 
his  sabre,  but  the  young  wife  held  him  so  tightly  in  her  arms  that  he  could 
not  move  until  an  explanation  had  been  made. 

the  elderly  lady  remarked.     4>  You  misjudge  these 

caballcros.     They  are  gentlemen,  if  they  are  common  soldiers.    To  them 
are  we  indebted  for  protection.     They  drove  off   the  bad  laO 
would  have  assaulted  us,  and  at  some  risk  to  their  own  li . 

>.  yes,"  the  young  wife  cried  eagerly,  "your  men   would   hive  kissed 

and  maltreated  me  had  not  these  young  gentlemen  knocked  two  of  them 

the    others    out    of    the    house.     Tl:  heroes, 

: 

The  young  officer's  face  lost  its  flush  of  anger.     He  rclea  old  of 

the  ?  out  his  hand  for  us  to  shake,  and  forgive  him. 

me,"  he  said.  "  I  should  have  known  that  the  men  who  saved 
my  lit  >t  insult  unprotected  ladies.  Thi-  the  Senora 

Coste  '  the  Sen  of  the  govern 

comnundcr-in-chief  of  the  California  army,  and  my  unc!-,"  and,  as  he  intro- 

c  ladies  bowed,  and  we  assured  them  that  we  were  delighted  tc 
make  their  acquaintance,  as  is  customary  in  polite  society,  and  it  does  noi 
matter  if  you  do  uttti  .t  the  time  the  assertion  is  made.  It  ii 

only  a  white  lie. 
18 


Leivey  a 


the  young  captain  sa'd,  "  these  young  men  were  impressed  into 

\\  the  machinations  of   that   scoundrel,  Don  Antonio 

Sane!.  a  uncle  will  keep  in  the  pay  of  the  :  and  engan- 

.    o  '^atricv:  i  them 

for  military  duty,  as  we  had  a  right  to.     The  :  '.ere  in 

:   J  to  ina'rv  two  .^irls  at  Ranchc  K 

laudable  desire,''  Lotii  ladies  remarked,  s  a  mean  act  to 

take  them  away  from  those  they  admire.     We  are  sure  they  would  ma 

:  and  faithful  husbands/' 
"Yes,  senoras,  we  should,  be  assured  of  that,"  the  unblushing  Lew 

•:,  and   from  that  moment  my  French  friend  g\  r  with  the 

ladies. 

v,  I  have  a  plan  that  requires  your  help,  my  good  aunt,"  the  captain 
said.     "I    owe   the  young  men  .a  debt  of  gratitude  U  U  yourself. 

a  letter  to  th-~  geivjr;il.  detailing  all  the  circumstances  of  this  morn- 
outrage.     1'dint   gluwin^ly  the   service    the  >ve  rendered  you 
:ster  Costello.     The  army  is  no  place  for  them.     i'-eh-re  the; 
been  in  it  a  month  they  will  be  murdered  by  their  companions,  just  as  sure 
.  are  now  alive.     To  save  them  I  shall  not  even  a.sk  t]  of  the 
ladrones  who  assailed  you,  for,  if  the  scoundrels  were  pointed  out    and 
properly  punished,  their  comrades  would  avenge  the  act  on  the  first  dark 
night,  by  the  thrust  of  a  knife.     I   could   let   them  desert,  and  uclcome,  but 
Sanchos  would  set  his  hounds  on  their  trail,  run  them  do.vn,  and  then  shoot 
them.     There  would  be  a  volley,  and  two  d                                    The  best 
plan  is  for  General  Castro  to  grant  a  formal  discharge  from  the  armv,  with 
a  promise  on  the    lads'  part  not  to  serve  against   California  or    Mexico, 
flow  would  this  suit  you,  senors?"  the  young  captain  asked,  turning  to 

U.S. 

ressed  my  joy  at  the  prospect  of  a  speedy  release,  but  Lewey  did  not 
respond  so  readily.  The  fact  of  it  was  the  French  lad  had  really  begun  to 
like  the  life  we  were  leading.  There  was  excitement  and  n<  tivity  in  it.  and 
some  fun.  He  could  order  the  greasers  about,  and  began  to  feel  all  the  de« 
of  one  who  is  in  authority,  and  can  show  his  power.  I'.t  sidtft)  h.id 
not  our  men  stolen  everything  that  they  could  lay  their  hands  on.  or  else  de 
stroyed  what  they  could  not  carry  away  ?  There  is  s  fiscinating 

ilatory  life  after  all,  especially  when  you  have  no  property  of 
own,  so  that  retaliation  can  be  made  by  the  sufferers,  and  this  was  our 
case. 

I   answer  the  question.  K-t  me  jvsk  one,  capitan,"  Ltwey  said. 


t  L 


»  \\   '  us  to   become  generals    or  in   the 

l  the  ready  answer.    ••  \Vc  have  more 
more  generals  than  companies.     'i  hope  to 

rise  Id    be    a    bar   to  your 

)  be  mustered  out.     It 

seems  as  though  fate,  or  the  saints,  was  against  us  all  the  time. 
i  .'.ried  nor  stay  in  th  All  doors  are  closed  on 

nighed,  and  then  the  b.dies  caused  an  excellent 
for  us,  and  the  captain  did  not  hesitate  to  invite  us  to  sit  at 

:n. 

being  got  ready  Lewcy  and  I  went  in 
o£  i!.  'Mis  of  the  estate,  swore  at  them  in  true  trooper  style,  to 

.         were  men  not  to  be  ;..ide 

•oin  our  horses,  and  the  one  the  captain  rode, 
them  plenty  of  wrr  iiile  this 

s   where    the  rest  of  oui  •;.  or 

.  heat  a  \  a  slirill 

:  an   \\oin.  <  .\inst  her  Mill, 

>:b!e  for   .  '-  of  the  greasers,  we  did  not 

»a  tlie  head  the  disorderly  ones,  for  our  li  . 
.vorth  all  tiie  Mexicans  in  the  country. 
v.nild  roam  near  the  house,  where  the  capt.r 

nt  in  a  different  direction,  and  off  the 
' 

i  the  shade  of  a  tiee,  and  went  to 

J  .-r  our  persons.     We  slept  untu 

were  tin  s  of  our  trumpets,  calling  in  ; 

glers,  .i  to  ^et  ready  to  march. 

\\'c  '.nketis,  and  strapping   them,   when    C 

Uo  the  house. 

14  Sergeants,"  he  s.i  i  two  here  to  tomorrow 

•o  my  sister  and  aunt.  >n?e- 

v  have   i  ,    Luis   Obispo,  and  prefer  the  former 

and  life  an  1  this  place.     Their  husbands  have   sent  for   them. 

>•!   think  you  c.in  look  after  their 

fffl  ri  ie   in  A    rough  i  by  two 

uules,  the  same  that  brought  ^  a  'sw  w«cks  since.    A  peon  will 


Lewey  and  /. 


as   postilion,  and  you   must  protect  the  ladies  from  insults,  if  any  arc 

The  senoras  prefer  you  to  their  own  countrymen,  which  is  a  V 
compliment." 

that  we  should  like  the  job  very  much,  and  I   thought  of  the 
pleasant  little  chats  I  could  have  with  the  young  wife  while  on  the  I 

"  Then  that  is  settled.  To  tell  you  the  truth,  I  fear  some  of  my  men  may 
not  like  broken  heads  from  gringos.  Now  here  is  a  paper  requiring  all  the 
people  on  your  route  to  grant  you  protection,  shelter,  and  assistance,  under 
pains  and  penalties  of  martial  law.  Do  not  hurry  over  the  country,  for  it 
is  rough,  and  be  careful  in  descending  the  mountains,  and  crossing  the  riv. 
ers  and  streams.  See  that  no  harm  happens  to  the  senoras  or  the  muclu- 
cho.  On  this  duty  will  depend,  in  a  measure,  your  discharge.  And  now 
adios.  I  must  get  my  ladrones  in  line,  and  march." 

He  sprang  into  the  saddle,  threw  a  kiss  to  his  sister  and  aunt,  and  dashed 
down  to  the  plaza,  where  the  men  were  mustering  to  the  shrill  blasts  of  the 
trumpets,  and  the  fierce  carambas  of  the  orderly  sergeant. 

All  the  cavalry  men  reported  for  duty,  and  we  stood  near  the  road,  and 
saw  the  heroes  depart,  and,  as  they  filed  by,  they  hurled  questions  at  our 
heads  as  to  our  absence  from  the  ranks,  and  swore  that  there  was  not  a 
thing  left  in  all  San  Luis  Obispo  worth  stealing. 

\Vc  said  that  we  were  ordered  on  a  scouting  expedition  over  the  moun 
tains,  to  look  after  Fremont  and  his  men,  and  then  the  greasers  crossed 
themselves,  and  closed  up  their  ranks,  as  if  fearful  of  an  attack.  The 
ruffians,  whose  heads  I  had  injured  in  the  morning,  did  not  look  pleased  at 
the  thought  of  our  being  left  behind,  and  I  imagined  that  I  read  murder  in 
their  eyes  as  they  passed  us. 

We  had  a  delightful  evening  at  the  house.     Senora  Costello  and  her  aunt 
••d  on  guitars  and  sang  for  us,  just  as  though  we   were  on   an   equality. 
As  soon  as  they  learned  we  had  some  education,  could  read  and  write,  : 
attended  schools  in  our  own  countries,  they  dropped  all  reserve,  and  a 
like  friends  more  than  distinguished  ladies  of  rank,  with   rich   fat!, 
husbands. 

That  night  we  slept  in  the  house,  with   our  rifles  l.eside  a  tk  on 

the  watch,  for  we  feared  some  of  the  bold  soldier  b<  return  in 

iine.xpe'-t-vi  minner,  and  not  only  put  us  out  of  the  way  but  ini-irc.-  the  la<"     . 

n:>tl)ir.;r  happened  to  disturb  us,  and  early  in  the  morning  \vo   mom  ' 
our  horses,  and  rode   to  the   house  where  we  had  d  4h  Anita.. 

Engracia  the  night  we  were  sent  on  shore  to    watch  hides  at  the  CV 
Then  we  pushed  on,  went  to  the  landing,  and  the  stream  of  fresh  water, 


Lewey  and  I. 


•.opped,  and  had  a  most  delicious  ',  ,  plenty  of  California 

haul   n  .  '   the  dust  and  pe:  .iccumula: 

The  Cave   had   not  changed.     Th»  surf  beat  lightly  on  the  shoal  shore, 
I  at  anchor  in  the  open  roadstead.     \Ve  I.righecl  as  we 
imk-s,  the  dead  coyote,  and  the  bear  story,  and  then 
rode  I  house,  refreshed  and  clean,  even  if  \v, 

;  be  ill  from  exposure  to 

.i:id  iried  to  convince  them  that  there  was  no  danger.     They 
a   such  rude  attempts  at  cleanliness,  and,  when  we  stated 
that  our  countrywom  .ily  fond   of   bathin-j,  our    M 

iiands  in  S]  I  horror,  and  llioug 

require  so  much  washing. 

...s  breakfast  was  finished  the  volante  was  brought  to  tlu- 
our  ho-  .uid  in    nice  condition  for  a  start,  the  ' 

helped  i-ito   tlie  vehicle,  with  a  good  supply  of  provisions  for  the  journey, 
smiled  on  me  as  I  covered  her  feet  and  child  with  a 
>  ;ep  off  the   keen   morning  air,  and   my  face  giowe<l 
.re  as  the  handsome  lady  said.  — 

tl  and  to  you  we  commit  ourselves.     Do  not  disappoint  our 
<!   when   we  arrive  at   Monterey,  if  you  ai 
shall  be  rewarded  b 

!i   a  prize    I    would  do  and  dare  anything."  V.MS  my  gallant  re 
sponse,  and  Lewey  asked  in  English,  in  a  sncerii. 

f>  de  same  has  you  said  dat  to  ?"  just  as  though 
accustomed  to  flatter  the  fair  sex,  imitating  his  free-lo 

The  .         hil     •     .  .   we   slung   our   loaded   rifles   over  our 

shoulders,  \\histlecl  to  Jack.  \s  disturbance  with  a 

.e  to  leave  until  he  had  worried  her  a  little 
ourselves   into  the  saddles,  and  were  off,  following  the  trail  t! 

f  the  mountains,  and  over  which  a  carriage  could  journey, 
if  the  diivcr  was  careful,  and    avoided   the  rocks  and  ruts,  for  the  g 
mtnt  1.  >me  attention  to  the  road,  a  chain  gang  be  _'«d  in 

clearing  it  for  many  years,  an  1  yet  did  not  make  such  marked  improvement 
as  one  would  naturally  expect. 

The  morning  was  so  bright,  the  air  so  pure  and  1  r  condition 

was  so  changed  from  the  experiences  of  the  da  hat  we  actually 

felt  quite  content  with  our  lot,  and   Lewey  hummed  a  French  love  song, 

nted  me  to  join  in  the  chorus,  and  when   I   refused  **"\  that  I  was 


Lewey  and  I. 


spoons  on  some  one,  and  I  didn't  know  what  he  meant  at  nrst,  until   he 
nodde  ->lante,  and  smiled,  while  I  b'ushed,  and  repudiated  the 

idea. 

.'1  of  the  vehicle,  the  better  to  observe  the  best  portion  of 

the  trail,  anil,  when  the  hour  of  noon   arrived,  thinking  the    women  were 

tired,  we  halted  on  the  borders  of  a  little  stream  that  descended  from  the 

^ted  the  ladies  to  dismount,  and,  while   Lewey  and  the  peon 

:  after  the  animals,  turning  them  loose  for  feed  on   the  rich  L 
took  my  fish  line,  and  caught  a  nice  lot  of  trout,  and  baked  them  on  some 

rind  while  we  were  eating  our  dinners,  the  meal  was  interrupted  by 
the  sudden  appearance  of  four  evil-looking  rancheros  descending  the  moun 
tain,  and  advancing  toward  us  on  a  lope. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

A     BRI'SH      WITH     LADRONES.  —  A     VorXf,     LADY'S    MODE   OP   EXPR! 

THANKS.  — TI!  rt    MURDER.—  THE 

A     TRAITi 
S    A   BLOW.  —  THE 

UlLE     O.UAKTFKS.—  A\      EARTHQUAKE,     AND    A    TU- 
i.VIEW      WITH 
:k>S     ARE     SNUBBED. —  A     DANGEROUS   MISSION   To 

A  \  "          re  eating  our  dinners  of  baked  trout  and  coid  chicken,  and  rath- 
*  •       r  >:ale  frijoles  as  an  adjunct,  the  ladies  were  expressing  the  pleas 
ure  they  derived  from  the  journey,  and  the  happiness  they  anticipated  in 
I  their  husbands,  when  the  four  horsemen  appeared  in  sight,  hav-" 
•t  down  the  mountain  side  in  such  a  stealthy  manner  that  we  should 
ve  noticed  them  until  they  were  close  upon  us  had  not  Jack  uttered  a 
i,  and  thus  caused  us  to  look  up,  just  as  the  strangers  be- 
•  lope  their  horses  toward  us. 

<  rones,"  suddenly  exclaimed  the  peon,  and  made  a  backward  leap, 
and  landed  in  some  bushes,  out  of  - 

rancheros  did  look  like  thieves,  and  we  were  suspicious  that  they 

were  of  that  grade  of  humanity,  for  the  fellows  had  their  long  lariats  in  their 

for  a  throw.     In  a  few  minutes  more  we  should  have  been 

Jed  in  their  coils  had  not  the  dog  given  us  warning.     The  ladies  ut- 

abdued  exclamations,  and  then  repeated  the  first  prayer  they  could 

think  of. -and  it  sounded  in  Spanish  something  like  our  English   version  of 

. 
"  Que  quiere  usted  ? "  Lcwey  challen 

ponse,  but  we  doubted  their  being  friends, 


Lewey  and  I. 


for  their  movements  were  far  from  being  friendly  in  that  wild,  deserted  part 
of  the  country. 

p  oil,"  my  comrade  cried.     "  Do  not  advance.     We   want  none  of 
;ompany." 

i  will  like  us  better  after  a  short  acquaintance,"  the  rancheros  re- 
!ed.     >;  We  are  poor  men,  and  mean  no  injury." 

"In   the  name   of  the  Virgin  do   not  let  the  laclroncs  harm  us,"  Senora 
Costello  cried,  as  she  clasped  her  child  in  her  arms,  and  her  face,  so  beauti- 
iui  and  pure,  showed   the  fear  she  experienced,  while   Senora  Castro,  like 
i'e  of  a  warrior,  looked  the  courage  she  felt,  and  regarded  the  new 
comers  with  haughty  defiance. 

:.ors,"  I  said,  as  soon  as  the  little  wife  had  made  her  ?ppeal,  and  it 
was  not  a  vain  one,  for  I  resolved  to  defend  her  with  my  life,  '•  this  ladv  is 
the  wife  of  General  Castro,  the  governor  of  the  State.  We  desire  that  she 
shall  not  be  annoyed.  Your  presence  tioubles  her.  Will  you,  like  gallant 
men,  retire  and  no  longer  give  her  anxiety  ?  " 

The  fellows  whispered  together  for  a  moment,  and  we  thought  they  would 
comply  with  our  r '.-quest,  but  instead  of  galloping  off  they  chew  near 
one  of  them  said,  — 

"  We  are  poor  men,  our  ranches  have  been  despoiled  by  the  forces  of  the 
government,  and  we    own   not  a  peso.     Give  us   all  the  money  you  have, 
powder,  and   we   will  let    you  pass  without  further  molesta 
tion.     What  say  you,  is  :n  ?  :' 

.e  them  notlr  \    the    stern    command    of    the    elderly    lady. 

"  They  would  not  spare  us  if  you  did." 

e  supposed  she  understood  the  nature  of  her  countrymen  bett 
we  did,  her  words   inspired   us  to  show  fight  and  save  those  comm 

:  not  fear  the  ladrones  if  we  could  keep  them  at  a  dis 
tance,  and  our  necks  from  the  encircling  influence  of  the  terrible  lariats. 
If  they  threw  them,  and  we  were  caught,  death  was  certain,  for  they  would 
gallop  over  the  plain,  and  drag  us  at  their  horses'  heels  until  life  was 
extinct. 

"  Ladies,"  I    said,  "the   safest    place   for  you   is  the   volante.     Go  to  it 
quietly.  speedily  as  p^-  .1    leave   us   to  deal  with  these  men. 

We  will  not  desert  y  ht  to  the  '. 

senoras  arose  and  obeyed  us   without  a  word.     As   the  rnnrhcros 

.ient,  and   understood  its   significance,  they   prepare- 

chare;  never  would  have  thought  of  such  an  act  if  they  had 

understood  the  power  of  rifles.    They  supposed  that  we  were  armed  wKh 


the  '  Mexican   musket,  t  ree 

fathoms  of  the  point  aimed  at,  soldiers, 

that  --'cen    known   to  fire   ai! 

kill  more  than  fifty  men,  and  wound  but  a  few  additi* 
"  Let  tu 

ii  tiie  fellows  wore  within  fifty  fm.  •. 
foremost  ones,  those  who  were  a  little 
the  crack  of  our  rifles  the  men  singled  out  : 
Veaned  forward  and  clutched  their  horses'  manes.     They  did   not  seem  to 

rest  in  the  rest  of  the  fight,  for  their  animals,  frightcnt 
the  report  of  the-  ^  tlv;  plain  the  mountains,  and 

disa;  .    the    thick  chaoparel,    the    riiic:  »ver 

-  we  ran  as  f.ist  aj-  .  slicker  of 

the  volantc,  and  threw  ourselves  flat  upon  the  ground,  with  a:  .led, 

and  it  was  well  that  we  <!:•!  so,  for  two  lariats  flew   through  t;.  ited 

on  our  persons,  and,  as  they  touched  our  hea<  ^ed  our  hands  and 

ied  them  some  distance  from  us,  and  so  saved  our    lives  by  that  si: 
manoeuvre. 

The  rancheros  dashed  on,  baffled  but  not  defeated.     They  kn 
tould  not  have  time  to  re-load  our  rifles,  so  supposed  that  we  f  to 

be  captured  at  the  next  charge.     With  a  light  touch  of  the  Iv  '.hey 

threw  their  horses  on  their  haunches,  wheeled  them  like  a  well-drilled  sol- 

.  and  once  more  came  tov  'etermined  to  ride  us  down  if  the  larl- 

.  led. 

"  De  pistols  to  dem  gib,"  whispered  Lcwey,  wli  >poke  ba'' 

Jish  when  excited. 

We  rolled  over,  close  to   the  wheels   of  the  volant 

were  praying  for  our  success,  drew  o  :  !  not 

suspect  we  had  on  our  persons,  and,  when  the   Me\  e  close  upon 

sired,  just  as  the  lariats  were  thrown.     The  mi;  their 

course,  and  thus  disconcerted  the  aim  of  the  men.     T 
of  their  mark,  grazed  one  of  the  wheels  of  the  volante,  slipped  tothegn- 
and,  as  the  horsemen  \-  from  the 

otlu-  and  had  t  .<*tion  of  hearin .  1!  of 

pain,  and  then  both  mustangs  pitched  to  the  gro  Vans 

t   with  them,  one  with  a  broken  leg,  and  the  oilier  Uet  in  his 

shoulder. 


Lcivey  and  /. 


"•-£!. 

Ihe  advice  was  too  good  to  be  rejected. 

s 


"Dueno"  cried  the  two  Udies,  as   thev  clapped  their  h 

•     A  thousand  thanks.     Kill  the  ladrones  " 
H  lexican  woman  has  her  blood  up  she  d-  ,i(I  for  trifles< 

1          i    ^  CrUf  T  °nC  °f  ""  mal°  memberS  °f 
blood,  and  thew  was  no  mercv  in  their  hearts. 


. 
J  not  feel  that  way.     We  had  conquered  in  the  fi^M.  and  ,er, 

" 


.  , 

what  we  had  done.     We  did  not  propose  ta  despatch  ou     •  nso 
=    tncm  get  well  the  best  wav  they  could.     Wh.Ie  we  were  Load- 
»  and  pistols,  however,  the   black.  |  oon.  who  had  run 

first  s.gn  of  danger,  glided  out  of  th,  |  wcnt  to. 

e  injured  men.     We  did  not  note  his  movements  ,  ;,  ,  think. 

that  curiosity  alone   drew   him  to  the  spot.     Hi.t  S«ddealy  we  'heard  a 
tor  mercy,  and   then   a  sickening  crunch,  and,  on  running  to  the  spot 
saw  that  Hie   cowardly  savage   had    killed   both  1  ui:  J  ^ 

ground  with  well-directed  blows  of  his  machete.  arp 

and  thick. 

-"  we  asked,  "why  did  you  do  thi, 
lSo  tl)  -;i  no  Iongcr  trmible  honesl  peoj)K  -.  ,.  a>  t,  (    i  rumj)t  ^ 

;.ave  ^one  to  the  devil  who  created  them." 

;he   Pcon-  The  h. 

have  maltreated  us.     They  missed  ti,,  ,  suf. 

I  the  murders, 

<:  l«.t  them 

cur  com, 

save 

of  con. 

°nit'  v.-uchsafe, 

fc,  and  se. 

-lysaid  as  wo 

ted  her  to  alight  from  the  car: 


Lt€iucy  and  I. 


cried  Lewey,  when  he  heard  the   words,  "this  is  cool.     Some 
!,  but  de  ladies  beat  it  all  out  of  sight." 

"And  I,"  said  the  little  wife  "will  now  reward  my  gallant  preserver  with 
as  many  kisses  as  he  will  take.  My  life,  my  honor,  my  child  has  he  saved. 
M.iv  the  saints  bless  him." 

I  could  not  refuse  the  polite  invitation,  so  saluted   the  fair  lady  with  two 

.>s,  but  somehow  there  was  not  that  vim  and  sweetness  in  them  that  I 

exp:  i  Monterey  previous  to  her  marriage,  or  before  the   time  of 

.J  been  enacted  before  our  eyes.     We  look  fur  gentle; 
»,  mercy  and  forgiveness  in  women,  and  when  we  do  not  find 
them  masculine  admiration  does  not  become  an   instinct,  and  so  it  was  in 

The  beautiful  woman  was  before  me,  but  she  had  shown  no 
toward  the  vanquished,  and  I  did  not  think  she  was  so  pretty  a 
her  the  day  before,  asking  for  protection    from  the  rude  assault 
soldiers. 

:e   does  my   share  of  de   kissin'   come    i;.  d   the   t 

The  Senora  Castro  must  have  divined  the  question,  for  she  held  out  her* 

.\  ell  formed  one  even  if  it  was  a  little  dark. 

'  Yo  :  :or  your  bravery  on  this  occasion  .nitted 

.  .d." 

,ried  Lewey,  "but  I  is  not  1: 
pressed  hi  ry  respectfully  on  t;  1  then  he  winked 

•ilsh  the  senor  re  not  hurt,  as  she  could 

\  A.  word  he  uttered.      He  l.>o!«r<!  -,t  the  thin  lips  of 

I  wife,  but  she  did  not  take  the  h 
.in-.eil  manner  for  the  part  we  had  perform- 
•csh  pot  of  coffee,  smoked  .i 
i'n  to  join  us,  and  tl  \ere  once- 

lead  men  and  injured  horses  where  tlv 
s  and  mountain  lions,  unless  there  wer 
after  the  remrr 

'*  through  a  beautiful  section  of  the  co> 
.•  of  mountains  on  our  ri^ht  hand  and  the  seashore  o 

>:vated   position,  we  co;:' 
.nd  deserted,  with  no  sail  in  si-ht   to  break  the  monoto 

trail   \v.*s   rug«jc»l,  so  \\ 
of  \\M*  ailobe  walls  of  a  ranche  house  just  as  the  sun 


Lewcy  and  I. 


the  chill  air  of  the  coming  night  swept  through  the  valley,  fresh  from  the 
ors  and  si.  .  f  the  northern  sierras. 

The  owner  of  L,e  ranche,  an  aged  Mexican,  and  a  priest,  came  out  to 
meet  us  and  in^ke  us  welcome.  Captain  Fernando  had  passed  that  way 
the  day  before,  and  stated  who  would  follow  him,  so  that  there  was  no  sur 
prise  «.  re  drove  up.  The  holy  father  belonged  to  the  M 
Carmel,  four  miles  from  M  was  on  a  tour  of  confession  and  chris 
tening,  to  marry  such  as  desired  to  enter  the  holy  iun  ;s  of 
rimony. 

-  Welcome,  daughters,  to  such  as  the  house  affords,"  the  padre  said,  as 
he  came  forward  and  assisted  the  women  to  alight,  while  the  aged  Mexican 
stood  uncovered,  out  of  respect  to  the  rank  of  the  ladies.  "  We  could  have 
wished,"  the  priest  continued,  "that  your  reception  and  entertainment  were 
more  regal,  but  the  government  troops  were  here  last  night,  and  they  did 
not  leave  much  of  any  value  behind,"  and  here  the  good  man  smiled,  and 
glanced  at  the  sister  of  the  captain  of  the  cavalry  company,  but  the  Senora 
Costello  did  not  seem  to  tnink  that  any  apology  \\as  needed  for  the  conduct 
of  the  men,  for  she  simply  said,  — 

"Holy  father,  I  suppose  soldiers  must  live  the  same  as  priests." 

"Yes,  child,  but  they  need  not  steal  what  they  can't  eat.  But  God  be 
with  3  ^liters.  Enter  the  house,  and  supper  shall  be  served 

immediately." 

As  we  were  not  invited  we  piquetted  our  horses,  found  them  a  mess  of 
barley,  and  made  preparations  for  spending  the  night.  As  we  knew  that 
we  should  not  be  permitted  to  sleep  in  the  house  we  cleared  out  a  place  in 
the  out-building,  and  then  waited  for  such  portion  of  supper  as  the  ladies 
mi'^ht  be  disposed  to  send  us,  and  I  am  glad  to  state,  for  the  honor  of  the 
sex,  that  we  were  not  forgotten,  as  we  had  a  bountiful  supply  of  frijoles  and 
tortillas,  and  some  coffee,  the  latter  nom-  too  good,  as  the  cook  had  not  set- 
.  in  his  haste  to  serve  the  distinguished  visitors. 

While  we  were  disposing  of  the  food  the  priest  came  toward  us,  and 
raised  his  hands  over  our  heads.  We  saw  what  was  coming,  arose,  and 
stood  uncovered  before  him. 

!  liers,"  he  said,  "  the  ladies  have  told  me  of  your  bravery.  Al 
though  you  are  t  and  heretics  take  an  old  man's  blessing.  It  new 
er  yet  harmed  any  o- 

!y  father.  -  I  am  a  Catholic,  but  not  a  good  one." 

Here  I  nodded  an  assent,  and  my  friead  continued,  — 

"  I  do  not  make  love  to  every  pretty  face  that  I  see,  like  some  grfngos  I 


Lewey  and  /. 


could  mention,  yet   I  have  not  confessed  for  many  months.     Will  it  please 
you  to  hear  me  if  you  have  the  time  and  patienc- 

ly  father,"  I  remarked,  "  if  he  makes  a  full  confession  you  will  have 
no  sleep  tonight.  Better  take  him  by  installments.  Two  or  three  hours 
this  evening,  and  the  rest  early  in  the  morning/' 

Tl^e  good  priest  did  not  smile  at  the  words.     He  simply  said,  — 

a  servant  of  the  church  I  will  give  your  friend  all  the  time  he  re 
quires,"  and  the  two  walked  to  a  secluded  spot,  and  Lew  had 
a  long  catalogue  of  sins  to  answer  for,  as  he  was  gone  an  hour  or  more,  and 
when  he  returned  said  that  he  was  all  right  for  a  year  at  1 

The  ladies  came  out  in  the  court  yard  and  sat  for  a  while,  their  shoulders 
covered  with  scrapes  to  keep  off  the  heavy  dew  and  cold  nijit  air.     T 
were  very  pleasant,  and  spoke  more  than  once  of  tiie  sc:  had  ren« 

dered  them,  and  how  grateful  they  felt  for  our  exertions  in  the;; 
Then  Senora  Costello  complained  of  fatigue,  and  gave  me   her  hand  as  she 
bade  me  a  quiet  good-night,  and  a  hope  that  I  mi_ 

We  were  not  disturbed  by  the  cries  of  the  coyote^  ashed 

long  before  the  ladies  were   dressed  and  ready  to  show  themselves. 
fed  our  horses,  had  breakfast,  and  by  eight  o'clock  once  more  resumed  our 
.  and   nothing  happened   of  interest   until   we   \  \  the 

Carmcl  Mission,  then,  while   ciimWng  a  mountain,  at  a  s-.  the 

tr.ii:  ;our  men  stepped  from  the  bush  huge 

in  their  belts,  and  pepper-pot  revolver!  <>n  their  hips. 

ats  preserve  us,'1  the  ladies  exclaimc  1,  "  here  are  more  ladrones, 
and  i; 

'.  not  turn  the  volante.  and  if  we  had  it  won! 
use,  for  the  strangers  might   shoot  the  mules  from 
not  half  try. 

I  knew  from  the  dress  and  appearance  of  the  men  th 

in  with  anoth  :  Mexican  l.idrones,  but  :  and 

• 

friend  began  to  u 

.;>on  from  his  Here   we  will   find    better  marksmen  thin  our 

•elves,  and   before  Id  fire  they  would  riddle  our  :  l.ullets. 

Let  me  deal   with  these  people,  for  figlr 

'.i  they  arc  Americans  I  can  manage  belter  with  t 
iors,"  cried  the  two  ladies,  thrusting  their  heads  out  of  the  s 
the  volante,  and  looking  a  little  alarmed,  while  Senora  C  '  her 

child  close  to  her  breast,  "we  hope  there  is  no  danger  to  you  and 


"  I  trust  not,  la-  ••  hut  we  must  hope  Re- 

main  c.«im  and  quiet  while  I  go  forward  lo  meet  the  - 
them." 

.  k  I  rode  slowly  1"  _,.  near 

centre  of  the  trail,  their  rifles  carelessly  thrown  across  the  their 

arm  ->n  the  locks  of  their  .  They  looked  at  me  with 

•iiiich  curiosity  as  I  manifested,  and,  when  I  \\M>  witnin  a 
the  men.  .;ioned  for  me  to  halt,  and  I  obeyed  th 

^vere   tall,  brawny,  muscular 

:  :hed  hats,  and  on  their  feet  I  ,.i  rnocrasius.  trimmed  with 

Is  and    porcupine  quills.      Their   eyes    were   bright   and   very  alert. 

ever  watchful,  as  though   expecting  an  enemy  to  ai>;.< 
at  any  moment. 

SCT  a  hit!  ;  .Mexican  lingo.  Bill."  one  of  the  I  aid  to 

<e,  who  was  supposed  to  be   the   lingu  si   of  th  :hus 

the    man    who    was   addressed   as    Bill    took  a  step    foiv.ard,   ana 
.  — 

"  Buenos  clays,  saynor  ? '' 
I  lau-licvl  as  I  answered, — 
"  I  think  we  had  better  palaver  in  English,  gentlemen.     \Ve  shall  under- 

-•ach  other  better.'' 
-  lilank   me,  the  fellow  a'n't  no  greaser,"    Uill  remarked.      "Mexicans 

ak  like  th 

Fo,  gentlemen,  I  am  an  American  like  yo 
"Then  what  is  yer  doin' on  here  ?fl   was  then,  ,- up 

•  ike  a  squint  at  yer  close  to." 
•  near  the  men,  and  they  looked  me  all  ovc; 
it  my  Mexican  costume. 

»e  from,  pard  ?  "  one  of  th  !>ed. 

"\VilI,  jLt   tumble  off  that   'ere   hoss   for  a   minute.     \V  |  -talk 

L  while,"  a  ed   the  request,  as  1  knew  it  would  not 

:>e  the  polite  commana. 

on   that  stun.  .,nc  of  the  men  sauf,  the 

:necl  to  be  the  load-.-r  of  the  p 

lit  my  pipe,  lighted  ll  noked  with  apparent  un- 

concern.     The  men  imitated  my  example  in  the  pipe  line. 

the   leader   said.     "There 
in*  round  here.  'i    I     think  not.     We  don't  want 


LfU'ty  and  I. 

to  be  took  \,\  surpiise  nohow,  ji.st  at  this  time,"  and  then  the  man  turned  to 
me  ind  resumed  his  questioning. 

••  Who  is  )  .  stranger  ?  "  he  asked. 

have  told  you.     I  am  an  American,  formerly  a  sailor,  but  left  my  ship 
at  the  end  of  the   voyage   for  the  purpose  of  marrying  and  living  in  the 

mentioned  the  word  ••  marrying  "  all  of  the   men  laughed,  but  in  a 
icd  manner,  as  though  they  were    not  accustomed  to  make  any  noise 
'-when  .on  to  their  mirth. 

••  What  ship  was  you  on,  stranger?"  demanded  the  leader. 
'•  1  he  Admittance,  of  Boston,''  was  my  prompt  answer. 

.  e  me  a  sharp  look,  and  asked,  — 

k-  Wh.i:  ivas  the  name  of  the  skipper  of  that  'ere  ship  ?  " 
"  Captain  Peterson." 

.s  the  ejaculation.     *•  Now  one  thing  more.     That  'ere  ship 
at  Santa  Barbara  one  time,  and  a  party  of  trappers  was  aboard  of  her. 
;  Now,  stranger,  what  did  them  'ere  men  do  while  they  was  thar  ?  " 

first  place,"  I  said  "  they  all  had  a  tot  of  aguardiente,  and  then 
6red  at  champagne  bottles  hung  from  the  yard-arm.*' 

;-rert  to  a  hair,"  was   the  complacent  expression  of  the  questioner, 
.s  thar,  mate,  and  knowed  all  about  it." 

i  bet,  especially  the  rum  part,"  one  of  the  trappers  cried,  and  a  sub 
dued  chuv  .  around  the  group. 

I  did  not  remember  the  man,  but  had  no  doubt  he  was  on  board  the  Ad- 
mce  at   the  ti-nc.  as  we  were  often  visited  by  trappers  for  the  purpose 

:."  the  questioner  asked.     "  What  else  did  we 
Ldo  ? " 

rrow  one  of  our  boats  so  that  you  could  hunt  otter  in 

c  captain  refused  to  let  you  have  the  gig  as  he  fc 
Brou'  'he  grease 

"That  's  gospel  truth.     Yer  was  thar,  stranger,  as  sure  a*  yer  arc  alive, 
no  make  up  in  that  yarn.     Yer  Yankee  fast  eno 

•TV  well,"  the  leader  rem  >ome  other 

•things  ji.st  now.     \Vhar  is  yer  goin'?  and  who  '. 

atercy.  and  my  shipmate  and   myself  are  escort- 
ladies  to   that   town   to  join    their   husbands,"   was   my  prompt 

-  Who  is  the  women  ?  " 


Lewey  and  I. 


*4  I  have  told  you,  —  ladies." 

"  W<J1,  all  \vomen  is  ladies,  a'n't  they  ?  " 

t  in  every  case.  These  are  real  ladies  under  our  protection,  and  we 
mean  to  see  them  safely  to  their  homes." 

"That  is  all  right,  stranger,"  was  the  gruff  reply.     '•  We  don't  object  to 
by  any  means.     What  we  want  to   know  is   this, — has  yer  seen  anv- 

.     i  soldiers  about  here  ?  " 

1  that  a  troop  of  cavalry  was  just  ahead  of  us,"  I  answered,  for 
I  thought  the  men  would  realize  the  fact  as  well  as  ourselves   if  they   I 
out  on  a  scout. 

"  That  's  the  truth.     Now  yer  know  that  the  United  States  and   Mexico 
is  at  war,  don't  yer  ?  *'  the  leader  asked. 
"  1  have  heard  so." 

'•  Well,  it  's  a  fact.     Now  which  side  does  you  take  in  the  figl.- 
"Can  you  doubt?"   I   asked,  and  the  answer  seemed  to  satisfy  the  man, 
for  he  said,  — 

"  That   's   all   right.     Now   we   wants   you   to  go   with    us  and  see  the 
-ii." 

iiat  captain  ?" 

"Fremont.     He  's  not  far  from  here,  and  might   like  to  question  yer  on 
some  pints  we  has  neglected  to  call  up." 

u  must  excuse  me  this  time,"  I  said.  "  I  hope  to  see  him  here 
after.'' 

"Could    n't   we  persuade  yer  to  go?"  the  leader  asked  with  a  smile,  a 
very  significant  one. 

"  Certainly,  for  you  are   in  force,  and  we  are  weak,  but  I  trust  Ami 
trappers  will  respect  the  ladies  and  their  escort." 

at  's  the  use,  Jim  ?"  the  man  who  had  been  on  board  the  Admit 
tance  remarked.  "  The  Yank  is  all  right.  Let  him  and  the  women  folks 
|<x" 

•stof  the  men  nodded  an  assent. 

'n't  no  objections.  You  can  travel,  and  mind  yer  don't  mention  hav- 
in'  met  us  on  the  trail,"  and  the  leader  motioned  for  me  to  continue  my 
journey  with  the  volante  and  ladies. 

v.\v,"  I  asked,  as  I  mounted  my  horse,  and  prepared  to  join  my 
iends,  "is  Captain  Fremont  encamped  near  here  ?" 
ver  yer  mind  whether  lie  is  or  not,"  was  the  short  answer. 

-icn  has  he  under  his  command  ? "  I  asked. 
"  None  of  yer  business." 


Lewey  and  I. 

"  Is  he  0  tured  to  ques1 

-.1  panot  ?  "  fa 

threw  up  his  i'  *us  manner,  and  I  feared   he   meant   business. 

M  i:ed  my  hat,  und  galloped  back  to  the  ladies.     When   I   reached  ti. 
;  the  trail,  but  not  a  single  person    except  our  party  w.- 
.  .m:s  had  vanished  as  suddenly  as  they  appeared,  and  lei1, 
e  direction  in  which  they  had  gone,  yet  1  had  no  doubt  they  n 
lung  our  movements  from  the  midst  of  some  thicket,  and  hearing  all  o( 
our  conversau 

0  were  the   men?"  asked  Senora  Castro,  as  soo.1  as  I  was  within 
.istance. 

:.ic  trippers  v\  ho  were  uncertain  about  visiting  Monterey,  feari: 
.  ,ie   \voul:  .;<em   to  be  held  as  prisoners.     They  v.. 

..•k  to  their  hunting  grounds." 
|S    were    satisfied    with    the   explanation,    and    Stnnr.. 

.\arrn  look  of  thanks  from  her  bright  eyes,  and  make  a  in«  . 
with  her  lips  as  though  she  owed  me  a  kisi. 

•,"  Lewcy  said   in    Knglish,  as  w 

like  pace  up  the  side  ot  the  mountain.     "Dem  men  \.isscout-.. 
knov.  it  a  tight  squeeze  to  git  us  by  de:n  ':  " 

1  had  better  believe   it  was.     Captain   !•':•  i  near 
here    I   think,  and   that  means  bail  luck  for  th 

-ome  of  his  scouts,  and  are   keeping  a  sharp  \\.  .If 

•     I   that  on 
.  it  have  hi-  ;e,  although   our  conm 

.     Kcmember,  Lewey,  we  know  notliing  of  the  o: 
1C  men.     '1  hi -y  were  only  trapper",  you  recoUfCt**1 
•  .Mi  is  the  cheery  answer,  for  my  French   i 

•lay. 

i   to  the  top  of  the  mountain  a  TP 
our  view.     The  mules  were  so  tired  we  c ••• 

.      .t  our  luncheon.  :    further 

in  sight,  although  at  some  r'i 
i    our  feet.     The   l>:i.»h:  b!" 
. 

.•each   tl.e   white   s-.i  :lin^   an  i 

u*  r>i    hiiie-dro^iiing  <!.< 

t,  yet  happy  a;  !  set 

\\\t  sand  hills  oi  :ks  of  th* 


Lewey  and  /. 


Pines,  and  the  dark,  sombre  trees  in  their  rear.     Close  by  was  the  Mission 
Cai  y,  and  affording  shelter  for  but  few  p; 

the  ;  not  many  cattlo,  as  the    Mexican  government  had   I 

all  that  was  valuable,  and  converted  them  into  money  for  the  benefit  ol 
ministradors  and  other  speculators. 

The  ladies  were  delighted  with  the  view.     Even  husbands  were  forgotten 
.  as  the  senoras  sal  on  a  rock  and  looked  off  toward  the  town 
.     There  was   but  one  vessel  in  the  roadstead,  and  that  we  sup- 
as  the   war-like  schooner  California,  Captain   Cooper,  and  I  shud- 
.  the  fate  of  our  national  ships,  should  any  enter  the  harbor  and  en- 
j  the  tenor  in  battle,  with  its  crew   of  kanakas,  and  old  Queen  Anne 
muskets  for  cannon. 

We  found  a  spring  of  sparkling  water,  but   had  nothing  to  eat  except  a 
few  hard-boiled  cg-s.     I   was  about  to  take  my  rifle  to  try  and  find  a  deer 
icing  Indian  appeared  on  the  scene,  with  a  hind-quarter 
of  venison  on  his  shoulder. 

IIe  :'ie   California  native  in  feature  or  color,  dress  or 

appearance.     He  cancel  a  light  rifle  in  his  hand,  and  showed  no  fear,  as  he 
approached  us  quite  boldly,  with  a  firm  step  and  upright  form,  and  ey 
fire. 

ke  to  him  in  Spanish,  but  the   Indian  shook  his  head  as  though  he 
did  not  understand. 

I  said,  and  the  stranger  nodded. 
"  V''  »rtion  of  your  meat  ?''  I  asked. 

hat  you  want.'' 
He  l  ->n  on  the  stones,  and  Lewey  cut  off  what  we  needed 

he  coals. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  I  asked,  as  I  gave  the  man  a  piece  of  tobacco  in 
mcnt  for  th'.:  :i. 

"  MC  ;  Indhn,"  was  the  proud  response. 

"  Who  :  .  ?  " 

"  Fremont/' 

"Where  ia  he?11  I  asked. 

should   I   know?"  was  the  guarded  reply.     "  He  here  today,  tn- 
I  icre  he  goes  ?     The  wind  will  not  tell  the 
secret.     Delaware  Indian  no  talk  too  much.     No  good." 

He  rose  up  and  fool  '.earing  in  the  forest,  and  that  was 

the  last  we-  saw  of  him.  lebratcd  Indian  scouts, 

and  followed  his  commander  from  the  clear  across   the  continent 


and  /. 


suffering  hunger  and  thirst,  danger  and  almost  death  for  the  sake  of  b-/ 
on  a  trail,  or  hunting  expedition. 

I   was  not  sorry  when  the   Indian  disappeared  from  sight,  for  I  did  n't 

but  he  might  be  on  the  war  path.     He  had  been  scouting  through  the 

C0u:.  i  a  deer  during  his   wanderings,  an. I   was   now  returning  to 

:  .  ver  it  was  located. 

The  '.  --'d  about  the  Delaware,  and  I  told  them  he  belonged  to  the 

.1  met,  and  tli.  1,  but  Lev. ey  put  a  finger  to  his 

.  drew  an  imaginary  knife  around  .  as  though  he  then: 

!  after  scalps,  but  I  think  my  frien 

.  -d  our  plain  repast   we  once  more  resumed  our 

had  to  lock  the  wheels  of  the  volante,  for  our  course  was 

D  the  steep  side  of  the  mountain,  and  the  mules  were  to  slide  as  well  as 

hold  back.     I  thou  %a  Costello  to 

my  horse  and  let  me  lead  him,  and   Lewey  made  the  same  proffer  to 

I  were  wise  enough  to  accept  the  offer,  and,  with 

the  child  resting  in  its  mother's  lap  and  arms,  my  gallant  mu-  i-illy 

picked  hi  the  mountain,  as  though  proud  of  the  beauty  on  his 

.  anil  rattier  liked  the  change  of  riders. 

:eached  the  base  of  the  mountains  in  safety,  even  the  suffer- 

, .-,  and  then  once  more  the  ladies  resu:.,  r  places 

in  th  and  we  dashed  past  the  old  mission  to  nvn. 

e  drew  near  the  vi'..  card  the  i  raj  1  saw 

our  galhnt  companions-in  ai  ms  on  the  plaza,  undergo::  by  rich- 

1  officers.     The  scamps  did  not  present  a  very  D 
line  was  not  as  straight  as  some  math.  -nonstratioiis.     Ca 

i   the  head  of  his  corps,  and  the  fierce  little  sergean: 
,   his  pro  be  damned  every  one  who  did  not  sit  his  horse 

act  like  a  cavalryman. 
Our  arrival  attracted  much  attention,  f 
w?.s  seen  in  the  streets  of  Monterey.    General  Castro  sa 
;cd  the  inspection  in  all  haste,  and  gallopc  ! 
tionate  «•  ^  1   then  the  husband  of  the  pr 

forward,  and  I  envied  him  the  kisses  he  receiv  :n  to 

^  ember  those  which  had  been  bestowed  on  me  d 
Captain  Fernando  left  his  fiery  servant  to  -rt  his  men  back  to  t 

d  then  exchanged  a  ; 

him  how  boldly  we  h  anked  us,  and  then  turned  to 

the  general 


Lcwfy  and  I. 


"These  are  the  men  I  spoke  about   to  your  excellency,"  the  young  cap- 

her  chain  of  gratitude  by  repu!> 

iadrones   uho   made  an  attack  on  them.     Your  wife  will  give  you 
-are." 

:    them  no\v,"  the  lady  said.     "To  th< 
young  mon  are  we  inde          I  .   -  .md  honor.    General,  yon  mi: 

- thin^  for  the.n.     D scharge    botli  from  the- army,  and  let  them  u-turn 
and  marry  uey  luve/' 

Of  course   Ca>lro  Km- hod.     \Ve  expected  he  would  do  so,  and  \v<  • 

. 

•:iat  you  make,  my  dear,  I  shall  comply  with.'1  v. 
but  just  at  that  moment    a    familiar   Voice    was  hcuid  near 
us,  and,  turni-  u  ionic  face  oi  Don  Antonio  Sanchos. 

-sed  forward,  and  listened  to  the  conversation.     Then  he 
his  oar,  just  as  ue  expected  he  would. 

your   excellency  will   give  me  a  hearing  before  you  . 

."  he  s.tid.      '•  1  can  show  \ou  goo.!  cvi  :  the 

ingerous  s  jspecho.-os,  and  have  been   acting   as   spies  for  the 
Aim 

"  cried  the  fiery  Captain  Fernando.     "  You  mean 
'tare  you  come  near  ladies  and  gentlemen   when  they  are 

his  right   hand,  and   stiudc    Sanchos  a   ringing   blo-.v    on  the 
••ere    that    the    villain    staggered   back,  and   blood  flowrd 
from 

;;ist  impulse  was  to  put  his   hand  on   the   hilt  of  hi- 
knife.     Then  he  thought  better  of  it,  for  the  young  officer  said,  it   a  tone  of 

ir  cuchillo  if  you  desire  to,  but  the  instant  you  r;r 
I  '11    '  through   your  body.     General,    it    is  a  disgiarr  to  !. 

:    :        Sf  [fU<   ad   of   being  a  benefit  he 

v  s  >!iie  of  his  doings  t-»  report  to  you  at  the  first  conven- 

41  I    wUi,"  L    CostrllO,  her  little   hands,   "that  you 

i  :  <r  me,  O  brother  mine.     I  should 
like  it  so  mnrh  if  yon  would  " 

Hut  '  '  .tnd  the  j.  _ener- 

:  the  re 
turn  of  his  wife,  said  that  he  would^cijj£sticc,  and  ordered  the  volante  to 


i  rut  /. 


move  00  1  |  'vernors  usually  resided,  near 

;       oy  and    I    gave  our  celebrated  exhibition  of  legerde- 

urtered  you  and  your  friend  at  my  si>- 

.s  the  carri.ige  rolled  aw.iy.     '•  She  will  make  you  ccv 
ble,  and  be  i  protect  her,  and  look  after  hei 

some  rambling  soldier  invades   ilie  premises.  other  duty 

for  th  .1  now  listen  to  me  for  a  moment.      K 

forgotten  or  forgiven  you.     He  carries  a  sharo 
>w  to  us<. 
i  not  fear  him 

:-d,  and  dare  not  s'.//ke  at  me.     If  he  did  his 

fate  would  be   no   uncertain  one.     It  is  people  like  you  who  feel  hi 
But  go  to  the  house  and  rest.     1   must  look  for  they  are  in- 

.  ell  as  at  San  Luis  < 
de  through  the  crowde  lor  there  .  o  hundred 

.in  attack  on  Captain  I-Yeni" 
i  the  house  of  the  American 

ning  on  the  veranda  01  ience, 

talking  with  ins  half-brother,  Capta  .  the  commander  of  the  schoon 

er  Ca'.  van    :n  on    the  coast,  and  she - 

ur  men  and  an  old  musket. 

•  1   I  dismounted,  went  t 
they  were  astoni.-hed,  for  they  suppo^ 
•ne. 

at  in  heaven's   name   possessed  you  to  leave  your  i  ^uch  a 

time  as  this?"  a>kcd   Mr.   Lit  kin  il  to  his  .it  he 

could  hear  n  ns  he  pretend . 

he  w.i 

-We   \\ere    in    l"Vr.  and  wanted  to  get  m  knew 

what  wouM  ;•  Ijoth  laughed,  an  Cooper  n. 

:<:  bite  at  his  m  limed  hand,  and  kindly  said,  — 

••  \v:  .\-  ire  ;  •".   lolnj  !  ere  .'  "  Mr.  Larkin  asked,  as  soon  as  he  could  re- 

r  his  composure. 
••  \Ve   have   ;  rt  of  Sen  o  and  Co 

;  ifugio 

•  >ut  to  be  and  forced  to  march   or  die.     \Vc 

preferred  the  former/1 


Lewey"and  /. 


"  Good  for  the  Mexicans,"  Captain  Cooper  cried.  "  You  will  live  to 
bless  them  some  day  for  doing  you  a  service." 

"  I  will  soon  set  you  free  from  the  army,"  the  American  consul  remarked. 
*'  Tomorrow  I  will  speak  to  General  Castro  on  the  subject.  They  have  no 
right  to  impress  an  American  or  a  Frenchman.  Perhaps  I  can  make  the 
government  pay  you  dam. 

k%  But  we  arc  matriculadors,"  I  said. 

"The  devil  you  are  !     That  alters  the  case.     What  fools  boys  do  make  of 
themselves.     But  I  '11  get  you  discharged  just  the  same,  or  know  the  reason 
and  the  representative  of  American  honor  scowled  at  a  greaser  sol 
dier  who  passed  just  at  that  moment,  and  shouted.  — 

"Down  with  the  Americano  gringos  and  their  representative,"  meaning 
that  the  warrior  wante'd  to  share  in  the  sacking  of  the  consul's  house,  and 
steal  a  few  of  the  dollars  he  had  on  the  premises.  The  fellow  paid  no  at 
tention  to  us,  for  he  supposed  we  were  Mexicans,  being  dressed  in  the 
national  costume. 

"Just  wait  a  little  while,  you  miserable  dog.''  Mr.  Larkin  muttered,  and 
then  in  a  whisper,  speaking  to  me,  '•  In  a  few  weeks  the  frigates  Congress, 
Independence,  and  Cumberland  will  be  in  the  harbor,  and  then  we  will  see 
who  can  talk  the  loudest.  But  keep  this  to  yourself  for  the  present,  for  it 
is  not  generally  known  that  the  ships  arc  on  their  way  to  this  port." 

"  If  this  is  the  case  perhaps  it  would  be  advisable  to  move  the  schooner 
California  to  safer  quarters,"  I  said,  addressing    Captain   Cooper,  tl.i 
manuer,  but  the  old  salt  took  a  ferocious  nip  at  his  hand,  and   declared  that 
he  would  fight  the  whole  Yankee  fleet,  and  sink  it  in  the  bay  if  it  dared  to 
venture  near  him. 

ve  did  not  believe  the  captain  was  in  earnest  \\c  laughed  at  him  and 
his  threat,  and  moved  off  to  find  the  house  of  Scnora  Costello,  where  we 
were  to  be  quartered.  We  knew  the  place  very  well.  It  was  a  pretentious 
tdobe  building,  a  little  off  the  main  street,  yet  near  the  plaza.  Attached  to 
the  premises  was  a  corral  for  horses,  and  a  shed  for  the  storing  of  rubbish, 
saddles  and  the  Indian  servants. 

I  entered  the  house,  and  announced  to  the  mistress  of  the  ;>hcc  t; 
were  detailed  to  protect   hersHf  and  family,  and    she   did  not  seem  in  the 
least  surprised.     In  fact.  I  think  the  arrangement  \va*  one  she  had   made 
with  her  brother,  as  she  ;  lence  in  us  than  in  Ix.-r  countrymen, 

just  at  that  time,  w!,  vlcssness  prevailed   all   over  the   State. 

Her  husband  was  at  the  government  house,  being  an  officer   of  some  kind, 
so  was  not  at  home  to  welcome  us  in  proper  shape,  but  as  the  iady  was  the 


:v ey  and  I.  -    - 

,t  did  not  matter  much.     She  told  us  what  to  do.     We 

were  to  turn  our  ho:  e  in  the  «  .  ould   rind  some  barley  in 

the  shed,  our  52  e  stowe  ere  to 

-•  house,  on  our  own   1  hance, 

which  was  quite 
ties  on  the  food  question. 

The  peons  looked  on  in  wondering  sui  .  :  did  not  seem  disposed 
to  regard  us  with  favor,  but  Senora  Costello  told  them  we  were  the  most 
wonderful  killers  of  Apache  Indians  ever  known,  and  then  they  changed 
their  tone,  and  seemed  disposed  to  do  all  they  could  to  keep  us  in  good 
humor,  fearing  for  their  sea! 

As  soon  as  our  ten;  fed  our  horses,  and  then  went 

in  search  of  some  new  or  clean  clot  had  on   were   not  as 

fresh  .  been,  having  worn   them  all  the  way  from  San 

without  a  '-'nat  our  trousers  were  decided- 

ind   a  little   off  color,  through  dust  and 

>n. 

•issed  alon?,  and  saw  Cook  sitting  in  the  door  of  his  pulperia,  his 
nose  a   little  redder  than.  md  a  general  air  of  dejection  seen 

e  the  man  and  his  place.     He  did  not  recollect  us  at  first,  and. 
he  did  rcca'l  our  faces,  sighed  deeply  as  he  thought  of  flush  times  when  men- 
in  port,  and  sailors  buying  aguardiente  at  a  teal  a  glass,  and 
getting  fighting  drunk  before  sum! 

these  are  awful  times,"  the  old  fellow  sighed.     "  There  's  a 
crowd  of  people  here  in  the  streets,  but  not  one  has  a  real  in   1 
They  are  the  poorest   lot  of  greasers  ever  known   in   the  town.     V. 
could  sell  a  barrel  of  rum  a 

i :otiv-'    in  and  have  a  drop  of  somethin'  for  the  sake  of  old 
• 

'.eclined  his  invitation  to  drink,  as  we  were  not  in  want  of  stimulants, 
.  enter  the  old  shanty,  close  to  tlr 
mark  for  m.iny  .ose  familiar  with  the  o 

We  saw  a  lot  of  si.  >thes  piled  up  on  his  s:. 

taken  for  rum  from  tr.  •  s*  men  ar.  looked  the  stock 

over,  found  it   v.  -od  order.  .t  we  nee'! 

>ds.  the  old  fellow  would  have 

put  on  a  firtitifv:  profit,  but,  as  we  did  not  s; 

purchasing,  he  thought  a  sale  could  be  effected  by  a  little  plain  talk. 


29-  Lewey  I 


"Fir  'i  a  suit,"  he  said.     u  I  '..  ;  cheap.     There 

are  son'. 

them.  cloth  aiul  nice  beli  buttons,  imitation  oi  silver.     The  blue 

shirt.s  came  from  a  man-u:  out  of  the  slo  .      Take  two  for  a 

-ach.     It  's  less  than  they  cost  me  in  :  .  whole 

suit  for  five  dollars.     You  won't?     Well,  take  it  lor  four,  and  not  a  mcdio 

-.j-ve." 

.lie   price   \v.is  lo  v   \ve   bought  two  complete  suits,  returned  to  the 

found   some'  soap  and  water,  had  a  good  lonned  our  new 

garments,  feeling  all  the  better  for  being  clean   once  m«.,.  acing 

Senora  Costello  to   utter  a  lew  words  of  commendation  on  our  changed 

.ce. 

husband  came  home  he  was  profuse  in  his  thanks  for  the  care 
\*e  had  taken  of  his  wife,  and  said  th.it  the  house  .  which  we  knew 

did  not  mean  anything,  for  we  had  heard    the  same  thing  many  tin- 

.  jver,  he  gave  us  some  supper,  and   then   we   :  under 

cover  all  the   evening,  as  we  remembered  the  warnin  ,  ::iando 

.  us. 

in  the  room  that   was  usually   reserved   for  the  reception  of 

;  such  hasty  m 

!t  like  it.     I   do  not  know    what   hour  of  the  night  I  was  awakened 
from  a  heavy  sleep  by  the  movement  of  the  house,  which    was  roll:- 
pitching  like  a  ship  in  a  light  sea,  and  for  a  moment  thought   that    I   was 
;rd  the  old  Admittance.     Lewey  vra  |  by  my  si  !e,  and  in 

.c  tumult. 

rtcd  up,  and  listened,  and  then  from  the  plaza  heard  the  1-nid 
•.he  church  belis,  the  yells  of  people   in   the  streets,  as  though  some 
thing  extraordinary  had  occurred. 

lid,  Diving  my  French  friend  a  kick,  "  there   *s  a  tornado  or 
a  new  revolution,  1  do  not  know  which,  but   if  we  remain  "11  I*o 

ve." 
"Let  her  rip,"  w  is  the   half-awakened   replv.  and,  (urn: 

•  himself  to  sleep  fl  th-  young   man    wns    t:-r 

'  :n  the 

.ind  th"n  far  off  in  the  '.  .nnd 

'•ider  th.in  '.-vc-r.  as  though  to  iwnk-?n  tlu-  faithful, 

1   them    come    to   the   ark   of   safety  if   they  dcsiicd    to   live    until 
morning. 


is  I  could  colic  c  's 

pounded  on    the 
i  the  house,  a:.  'udh,  — 

'.;  torremo  rcaioto  !  " 

stelio,  and  made  a  bound  from  the  room  where 
:ie  time  being  that  he  \\as  a  married  man  and  :•. 
will   be  the   death  of  us.     The  sain  :e  in 

church  to  pray,"  and  o-, 

.  .r  that  time  of  the  \ear,  and  not  quite  suited  for  church  ser- 
!  present. 

up  on  the   floor,  and  pulled  on 
to  die  here  I  '11  cover  up  my  booful   legs,"  an  au 

nent  there  ssation  of  the  rocking  and  trembling  « 

..,  and  the  cries  ceased  in  the  streets.     The  first  shock 
,  I  judged,  but  I  could  not  be  sure,  for  tim.  low- 

building  to  fall  on  you  every  second.     If  it  had 
.   of  adobe,  and  the    walls   very  thick  and  i  ;•  should  have 

•v  seconds  of  the  shock.     As  it  was  the  tiles  fell  from 

the  ;  od  to  the  ground,  and  the  dogs   uttered   loti.l   ho-.\ls,  and 

Jack  showed  more   courage,  although  the 

poor  brute  trembled,  and   uttered  a  low  whine,  as  •  ,  ized  the 

that  more  trouble  was  to  come. 
•  iie  buildi:.  ;ust  buck!' 

a  chunk* 
en  n  ::iach.  and  a  strong   inclination  to  vom- 

•Tected,and  Lewey,  who  was  similarly  afflicted, 
is  vusser  dan  a  glass  of  old  Cook's  aguardiente,  and  a  bottle  of  na- 
• 

I  ml  muchach"  '•' 1!o  moan, 

\-nly  recollected  that  her  hu^  run   for  '. 

ck. 

to  the 

11  where  •  en  sleep' 

ng  to  rise,  and  in  •  -en  do 

i'.iake  is  raging,  and  the  roof  ia  likely 

to  fail  at  any  moment.     A  lamp,  wa*  burning  in  her  apartment,  and  from  its 


Lewey  and  I. 


feeble  flame  I  could  see  the  look  of  terror  on  the  handsome  face  of  the 
young  wife,  while  the  boy  was  sleeping  by  the  side  of  her  bed,  and  had  not 
even  awakened  during  all  of  the  tumult. 

"  Where  is  my  husband  ?  "  demanded  the  lady,  as  soon  as  she  could 
speak,  for  terror  had  for  a  moment  made  her  dumb. 

has  gone  for  iuiV,-"  1  aas.vcrcd,  wishing  to  excuse  his  absence  as 
well  as  I  could,  for  I  did  not  want  to  make  the  man  contemptible  in  such 
bright  eyes  as  the  lady  possessed. 

"  It  is  a  lie,"  she  retorted.  "  He  has  fled  to  save  his  own  worthless  life, 
and  left  me  and  the  child  to  die." 

"  No,  no,  not  to  die,"  I  answered.  "  I  will  take  you  in  my  arms,  and 
carry  you  to  a  place  of  safety,"  ignoring  the  word  lie  for  the  time  being. 

Even  as  I  spoke  the  building  rocked  wildly,  the  church  bells  resumed 
their  clamor,  the  people  in  the  streets  howled  in  terror,  called  on  the  saints 
and  Virgin  to  save  them,  and  vowed  they  would  lead  better  lives  in  the  fu 
ture  if  the  request  was  complied  with.  Of  course  this  was  forgotten  in  less 
than  twenty-four  hours  after  all  danger  was  passed,  but  the  scare  she 
that  the  Mexicans  were  a  deeply  religious  people  in  periods  of  earthquakes 
and  other  calamities,  and  could  do  more  promising  in  a  given  time  than  any 
men  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  except  the  Spaniai 

"  If  stand  here  you  do  all  de  night,  and  talk  and  talk,  de  shanty  vill  our 
heads  fall  on.  Grab  de  voman  and  get  out  of  dis,  and  I  vill  take  de  boy. 
But  you  allers  di-.l  go  for  de  best  dings,  and  leave  me  de  vusser.  S'po-^'  I 
take  de  vife,  and  you  de  young  von,  and  see  how  dat  do  ?  " 

Lewey  could  do  some  hard  grumbling    when,  occasionally,  I  crossed  his 

path,  but  I  knew  his  disposition  too   well   to  pay  marked  attention  to  it.     I 

covered  the  petite  form  of  the  wife  with   several  blankets,  raised  her  in  my 

t  as  I  thought  we  should  be  buried  in  the  ruins  of  the  house, 

.ed  out  of  the  door,  Lewey  near  me  bearing  the  still   sleeping  child,  and 

Jack  following  at  our  heels,  subdued,  and  not  disposed  to  fight  the  meanest 

cur  that  was  near  the  building  yelping  with  terror. 

For  a  moment  I  stopped  near  the  corral  where  our  horses  were  snorting 
with  fear,  disposed    to  leap  the  walls,  and   break  away  for  the  high  lands, 
they  recognized   our  voices,  and  came  toward  us,  trembling  in  every 
limb,  and  reeking  with  perspiration.     We  petted  and  soothed  them,  and,  as 
the  earth  continued  to  lous  conduct,  we  did  not  believe 

that  we  could  find  a  sifcr  phco  !  (siting  of  our  burdens  than   the 

open   space   at  the  rear  of  the  house,  in  the  corral  where  the  horses  were 
confined. 


Lewcy  and  L 


The  streets  were  full  of  people,  the  soldu  one  moment  and 

plundering  the  next,  or  . 

..ited  that  his  stock  of  aguardiente  would    suffer    to  some    extent,  v 
DO  mo  '-he  custom. 

vazzards  tlew,  and  croaked  like  ill-omened 

Spjrr  :ce  cry  of  eagles,  as  if  protesting  against 

being  disturbed  in  the  night.     Cattle  weie  bellowing  and  charging  thro 
t  .nionship  of  man  for  protection,  and  above  the 

.at  bells  could   be   heard  the   mournful  booming   of  the 
surf  ed  on  the  shore  with  unusual  spitefulness,  c  ;e  sandy 

beat;  .ngest  of  all,  ahui:  >ar 

can-u  to  attack  any  one 

that  crossed  i-  in  or  dog.     It  had  come  down  from  the  ir. 

in  the  hope  of  finding  less  of  a  tumult  than  fallen  trees  and  r«  rom 

the  sides  of  the   hills   where  it  made  \Ve  could  have  killed  the 

wild  beast    from   where  we  sto<>  '  no  desire  to  \\  k  on 

such  a  night,  when  death  threatened  us  on 

As  soon  as  our  horses  were  quieted  I  deposited  my  fair  burden  in  a  cor 
ner  of  the  con  •>>'  her  side.      .. 

to  protect  them  from  the  cool,  damp   air,  and  then  Senora 
ae  of  her  well-formed  arms  around  my  neck,  drew  my  head 

.1  kissed  me. 
.  not  leave  me  ?  "  she  asked. 

ill  remain  by  your  side  until  all  danger  is  passed.     Do  not 
I  think  you  arc  sale  here." 

i>een  my  husband  would  you  have  left  me  on  N 
as  t 

.  I  would   have  remained,  and  lived   or  died  withy 
swer,  and  I  meant  every  word  I  uttered. 

She  1  then  encircled  her  boy  in  her  arms,  and  c 

.•s.     1   hoped  she  wou! 

was  .uck.     Then  Lewey  returned  to  the  house  and  secured  o 

fles.  >v  but  the 

and  offer  violence  to  the   lady.     The  peons  had  fled  at  I 
did  not  return  home  until  long  after  daylight,  and  some  of  them  looked  and 
though  they  had  tasted  Cook's  aguardiente,  or  some  other  strong 
drink. 

rumblings  of  the  earthquake  grew  fainter  and  fainter,  and  at  last  em 


Lewey  and  f. 


tirciv  •    ased.     We  c  'he  priest  in  the  church 

f-  ty  of  his  rlock,  and  then  the  Midden  blasts  of  trumpets  showed 

of  the  soldiers  had  recovered  their  senses,  and  v. 
Jn  their  men  from  pi'.. 

In  the  course  of  an  hour  Senor  Costello  returned  to   look  after   his  \vife 

and  child.     He  did  not  seem  to  think  that  he  had  been  derelict  in  his  duty, 

but   said  that  he  had  prayed  for  the  safety  of  his  dear  ones,  and  was  glad 

listened  to  his  prayers,  which  \\as  very  kind  on  their  part, 

all  things  considered. 

.  Captain  Fernando  made  his  sister  a  visit,  and,  when  he  had  heard 
all  the  particulars  of  the  night,  paid  Lewey  and  me  a  compliment,  ar. 
his  brother-in-law  u  few   words  of  condemnation  which  he  did  nut  fail  to 
understand. 

We  removed  to  the  house  as  soon  as  all  danger  was  passed,  and  once 
more  the  wife  rrtun.ed  to  her  bed,  and  the  boy  to  his  crib,  the  little  fellow 
not  even  awakening  through  all  the  noise  and  tumult.  Squads  of  infantry 
were  in  the  streets,  with  fixed  bayonets  and  loaded  muskets,  looking  for 
those  who  did  not  respond  *.-  the  trumpet's  call,  and  with  orders  to  shoot 
all  who  had  not  ceased  pillaging  the  better  cbss  of  houses. 

As  it  was  not  yet  daylight  I  laid  down  on  my  blankets  by  the  side  of 
Lewey  in  the  'nope  of  getting  a  little  sleep,  and  the  last  thing  I  heard  was 
the  complaint  of  my  friend,  as  he  said,  — 

"  1  is  tired  of  dis  son  of  di:i_r.  I  does  de  hard  vork  and  you  gets  all  de 
kisses.  r,  I  no  stand  it  much  longer,"  but  in  the  morning  the  French 

•rgotten  his  gro-.vling.  a:  happy  and  careless  as  ever. 

Tii  j  sun  came  up  warm  and  clear,  with  a  gentle  south  wind.  The  air 
was  n<  npregnated  with  the  smell  of  sulphur,  the  fumes  of  which 

came  from  t.ie  rents  in  the  earth.     The  cattle  were  quietly  feeding,  a: 
forgotten  the  perils  of  the  night.     The   bear  had  waddled  back  to  his  quar- 
i  the  mountains,  and  probably  was   dreaming  of  the  commotion  that 
had  sent  him  to  the  village  in  such  a  hurry.     Cook  was  sitting  on  an  empty 
barrel  damning  all  kinds  of  greasers,  high  and  low,  counting  up  his 
and  calculating  how  much  he  would  have  to  water  his  next  stock  of  rum  to 
make  the  account  good. 

The  soldiers  were  sleeping  off  the  fatigues  of  the  night,  and  not  until 
•even  o'clock  did  the  blasts  of  the  trumpets  awaken  them  to  activity  and  a 
•hort  drill  before  breakfast.  Householders  were  taking  an  account  of 
•toclc,  and  wondering  if  the  articles  stolen  from  their  prim:  1  ever 

he  recovered,  while  the  alcalda  issued  a  proclamation  recommending  a  day 


Lcwty  and  /.  207 

cf  fca-  escape  of  the  people  from  death,  and,  as  all 

danger  seii,  it  met  the  approval  of  the  church  ar.«! 

A  bull-fight  was  proposed,  but  as  no  one  dared  to  scour  the  country 
in  search  of  a  fierce  toro,  on  account  of  Fremont  and  his  men 
the  plan  was  given  up,  and  a  magnificent  cock-tight  substituted  late  in  the 
afternoon,  and  those  who  lost  their  money  said  that  they  preferred  a:i 
quake  to  such  wicked  sports. 

About  eleven  o'clock  Captain  Fernando,  in  full  uniform,  came  to  see  us, 
and  stated  that  General  Castio  would  recc  ar  us  immediately  (• 

regard  to  our  enlistment.     When   we   \\x-ie  rradv  to  go  to  the  government 
house   Senora  Costello   threw   a  dark  mantilla  over  her  pretty  head,  and 
her  intention  of  accompanying  us  to  the   pretence  o!  the  general* 
Her  brother  remonstrated,  but  irm. 

"The  young  gentlemen,"  >he  said.      |  :ie  last  night  wlien    I   was  de 

serted  by  my  husnand.     I    was  in  danger,  and    t!,  I    by  my  side.     I 

ateful,  and  if   1  can  do  them  any  good  by  n:  :11  see 

that  kindness  is  not  thrown  away  on  me.      I  .'.1  uncle  all  the 

particulars,  and  he  must  have  a  hard  heart  to  refuse  m 

Captain   Fernando  made  no  further  opposition.     We  walked  acre 

to  the  icsidence  of  the  general,  the  sentry  presented  arms  as  his  su- 
gassed  him,  and   crossing  a  hall  entered  a  room  where  Ca>tro\\as 
seated,  smoking  cigarettes,  and  dictating  despatches  to  a  secre: 

neral,"  said  Captain  Fernando,  **  these  are  the  two  young  men  I 
spoke  to  you  about.  They  saved  the  lives  of  your  wife  and  my  sister 
escorting  them  from  San  Luis  Obispo  to  this  place.  La>t  night  they  de 
voted  themselves  to  Senora  Costello  while  the  earthquake  was  raging  and 
her  husband  visiting  the  church  to  pray,  instead  of  helping  first  and  pray- 
. 

I  mild,  gentle  voice,  and  a  priest  en- 

•.')?  room.  '•  It  is  seemly  at  all  times,  but  still  I  think  it  is  better  to 
return  thanks  after  your  wife  and  child  are  in  a  safe  place  th  »n  tri'st  them 
entirely  to  the  saints,  for  the  latter  can't  look  after  all  during  an  earthquake. 
I  will  e  young  men  for  saving  so  good  a  daughter  as  Senora 

• 

He  raised  his  hands,  ar.d  we  bovved  our  heads,  and   when   I  again  ! 

that  the  padre  was  the  one  I  had  met  at  Santa  Cruz  so  many  times, 
and  who  had  let  me  feast  on  the  strawberry  beds  of  the  oH   Mission,  when 
a  sailor  boy  on  the  Admittance.     He  recognized  me  at  once,  and  a  smilt 
r  hi  a  calm  face  as  he  said,  — 


29$  Ltwey  and  / 


•*  I  am  glad  to  see  you  once  more,  my  son.     I  did  not  expect  to  meet  you 
here.     I  supposed  you  were  home  long  since." 

"Do  you  know  the  young  man,  holy  father?"  asked  Castro. 

"Oh,  yes,  and  a  good  boy  he  is.  I  will  answer  fji  him,"  and  the  padre 
patted  me  on  the  cheek,  in  his  old  familiar  manner. 

"Can't  you  vouch  for  me  also,  holy  father?"  asked  Lewey.     "I  am  a 
Catholic,  and  my  friend  here  is  only  a  Protestant.     According  to  our  c 
I  should  be  much  better  than  he." 

"  My  lad,"  smiled  the  good  priest,  "religion  does  not  stamp  a  man  so 
that  he  can  pass  current  as  a  Christian.     But    I   will  take  the  risk,  am! 
that  I  think  you  are  no  worse  than  hundreds  of  others  whom  I  meet  in  my 
daily  life.     The  Senora  Castro  has  given  me  excellent  accounts   of  both  of 
you,  and  now  ray  daughter  here  is  fully  as  enthusiastic  in  your  prai 

"But  that  is  only  faint  commendation  for  me,  holy  father,'1  remarked 
Lewey,  with  his  usual  impudence. 

"  Let  it  suffice  until  we  can  learn  more  of  your  worth  which  you  seem  to 
think  is  not  suspected.     Remember,  I  have  not  met  you  as  many  times  as  I 
have  your  friend,  therefore  must  be  a  little  cautious  in  my  remarks,"  and 
just  then  the  general's  wife  entered  the  room,  and  the  }>• 
smile  that  showed  he  could  appreciate  a  joke  as  well  as  the  French  lad. 

I  placed  a  chair  for  the  'ady  near  her  husband,  and  then  drew  back  and 
resumed  my  position  by  the  side  of  Lewey,  for  we  were  not  requested  to  sit 
down  in  the  presence  of  so  much  dignity,  not  being  on  an  equality  with 
those  present. 

"  We  were  speaking  of  these  young  men,*1  the  padre  said,  as  soon  as 
Senora  Castro  had  taken  a  seat,  and  given  us  a  smile  of  welcome.     "  Alter 
all  that  I  have  heard  I  do  not  see  how  the  general  can  refuse  to  grant  t 
a  disch ..:  1  they  been    Mexican  soldiers   they  could  not  have  done 

more  to  pro-'.-ct  the  ladies." 

"They  \vere  worth  a  dozen  Mexicans  when  the  ladroncs  attacked  us,"  re 
marked  the  pretty  little  wife,  and  her  eyes  flashed  as  sin-  spoke;  but  the 
general  ':;  !  not  like  the  speech,  as  he  put  great  faith  in  his  country's 
soldiery. 

"The  question  Is  this,"  the  general's  wife  cried,  !n  a  tone  that  proved 
the  could  make  her  presence  felt  when  desired,  and  I  noticed  that  all 
were  hush-  d  while  she  was  speaking,  "are  the  young  men  to  be  discharged 
from  the  nrmv  or  not?  " 

"  Certainly,  my  dear,"  the  general  cried,  in  a  tone  that  showed  he  wanted 
to  conciliate  her. 


Lewcy  and  I. 


to  give  me  a   chance  to  s-  inter 

rupted  ?  ''  the  wife  asked  imp.uiently. 

r.     Goon.     We  are  listen! r._  .mess 

ire.     I  told  you  last  night  th.it  I  would  do  ju^-  :  in  re 

gard  to  these  men,"  and  t'.,e  general   rubbed  his  hand.-,  and  looked  at  the 
priest  as  if  ask  otection. 

L-ral."  Mrs.  Castro  remarked,  with  a  wit  could 

fight  as  hard  as  you  talk  Fremont  and  his  band  of  ladro:  '.  all  be 

dead  long  before  this." 

s  my  dear,"  the  warrior  muttered,  and  then  yielded  the   floor  to  the 
It  uas  evident  she  meant  to  :  and  the  1 

the  same  time. 

44  The  young  men  have  been  tricked  and  deceived,"  Senora  Castro  said. 
"They  were  persuaded  to  matriculador,  and  did  not  understand  the  mean 
ing  of  the   word.     They   wanted   to    get   married,   and  they   did  : 
married." 

Here  the  general  sighed.     He  did  not  seem  to  think 

as  near  as  I  could  judge  by  hi..  iher  thought  ha 

wanted  to  congr.itul.ite  us  or.  our  lucky  escape. 

"The  reason  the  young  men  were  not  married  was  because  one  of  your 
agents  stepped  in  and  spoiled  the  matter,  and  then  threatened  t 
senors  if  they  did  not  enlist.     Is  that  th  \  uild  up  t!  and  in 

crease  the  population  ?"  Senora  Castro  :h  a  frov,  r  lord 

cd  his  head,  and  said  that  he  was  satisfied 
in  a  dead  failure  to  build  up  any  State. 

"  I    am   glad  to  hear  you  admit  so  much/'  the  1 

.ken  the  liberty  to  summon  t  ^ence  tlu 

nio  and  Carlos   Sanchos.     The  youngest   brotht  mded. 

He  was  shot  in  the   mountains  ct  <.-,  as  he  de 

serves,  for  he  attempted  to  murder  tl;-  men  present,  as  tin-;. 

crossing  from  Los  Angeles  to  Santa  T.arbara.     The  scoundrel  was  injured, 
and  is  still  in  a  ;  I  have  learned  this  m 

ion  of  your  agents,  that  Antonio  had  some  grudge  against  the  •. 
and  to  >k  this  means  to  obtain  revenge.     You  must  investigate,  and  then  re 
voke  the  commissions  of  the  ladrones.     You  seco  m  not, 
holy  fatlv  • 

The  padre  b6Ved  as  he  replied  in   his  gentle  at  the 

domestic  scene. 

44  If  the  mtn  are  unworthy  the  giueral  <un't  do  better  than  to  dismisl 


;oo  Lewey  and  /. 


S.     California  is  too  noble  a  State  to  harbor  viihjis  for 
. 

:  me  say  one  word,"  Captain  Fernando  said,  as  soon  as  the  padre 
had  concluded.  "  If  I  had  kno.vn  all  I  would  never  have  enlisted  the 
young  men  under  the  circumstances.  I  was  told  that  they  were  matricula- 
;:id  sospechosos,  and  that  it  would  be  a  good  thing  to  keep  them  un 
der  our  eyes.  The  first  day  from  Ranche  Refugio  they  saved  my  life  from 
the  attack  of  a  drunken  soldier.  I  hanged  the  fellow  on  the  limb  of  a 
tree." 

General  Castro  nodded  as  though  he  rather  approved  of  such  summary 
treatment.     One  drunken  Mexican  was  of  little  account  in  his  estimation. 
"  At  San  Luis  Obispo   these  same  young  men  saved  your  wife  and  my 
.  insult,  and  would  not  inform  on  the  parties  who  committed  the 
It,  for  fear  I  would  hang  the  guilty  scoundrels/' 

"Do  give  me  a  chance  to  utter  a  thought,"  the  Senora  Castro  said,  and 
Lewey  winked  at  me  as  much  as  to  say,  "  Dis  is  berry  funny."     "  I  have 

but  a  word  since  I  entered  the  room." 

The  general  sighed,  and  seemed  to  wish  that  he  was  far  away,  on  the  trail 
of  Fremont  and  his  men,  or  traveling  through  the  country. 

"  VVhtm   I   tell  you,  general,  that    these  young   men  have  killed  Apache 
is  you  will  be  surprised,"*  Mrs.  Castro  cried,  and  her  husband,  sup 
posing  that  he  must  show  astonishment,  ejaculated.  — 
"The  saints  preserve  us!     You  don't  mean  it?"  and   then   lighted  a 

ior   Larkin,"  a  servant   cried,  and   threw    open  the  door,   and   the 
an  consul  entered  the  room,  and  seemed  a  little  astoni.-hed  at  the 
numl>er  of  people  present. 

ive  called,  your  excellency,"  Mr.  Larkin  cried,  "to  demand  the  dis- 
^e  of  the.se  two  young  men." 

•.'  Senors  Antonia  and  Carlos  Sanchos,"  the  servant  roared,  and  the 
,-nts  of  the    State  entered   the  apartment,  and  were  more  surprised 
than  Mr.  Larkin  on  seeing  the  company. 

"  I-ook  here,"  the  general  cried,  "  you  two  scoundrch  have  persecuted 
these  youn^  men.  My  wife  would  be  angry  if  she  was  n't  an  angel,"  (he  vras 
not  emphatic  when  he  said  this)  "the  holy  father  is  indignant,  and  the 
American  consul  is  about  to  threaten  us  with  the  vengeance  of  the  United 
.  but  that  we  do  not  f-?ar.  Mexico  can  take  care  of  herself,  and 
against  a  hundred  foes,  but  Mr.  Larkin  is  a  good  man,  and  we  like  to  oblige 
him.  Captain  Fernanfo  and  his  sister  are  not  feeling  as  though  the  sail* 


/.  301 


*rs  v.  md    I   think  the   f<  j  jn 

:ik  up,  and  ^ive  me  an  e 
the  cajjtaia   is  still  seen  on 

:  jd   for   Lewey  and 

ire  of  California,  a  '  t  that  1 

hail  d  -nc  goo«!  -..  and  im]  . 

;  -  -  •  -.le  this  in 

the  ;  11  to 

the  civ  left  In-hind  for  thai 

e,"  responded  Mr.  L.irkin.     "The   boys  wore  !  ill 

the  certificates  of  the  captain  of  tlie  i 
:iut  effect,     i: 
1  ,i  little  abashed  at  this  inf-r  •    had  not 

in   the  American  consul.  .11. 
i 

i  said,  speaking  to  the  wife,  for   I 
:  .at  of  her  husband,  "k1 

. 
of  C  my  friend  ;md  I  punished  hi 

t  >  cut  us,  and  in    the  Bt  i  his 

\viih  a  bo.it-liouk.     You  can  see  the  scar  if  the  : 

iisposed  to  do  this,  so  I  continued,— 
m-1  that  we  were  left  on  shore,  thvouj/h  ont    u- 

.vey  winked  with  both  eyes),  -he  determi,-.: 
.  aucd  to  do  so  until  we  were  iortunate  enc 
Ort    to  two   ladies,  and    the;. 

.-lend   them   from  the  attacks  of  ladrones,  or  dse. 

'1  us  nothing.     We  owe  them  everything  for  '.! 

••  I   «  oul  i  :i't  do  better  mineself,"  Lewcy  said  in  Ei. 
I  irkin  could  not  catch  the  words,  as  he 

r,  but  you  did  rub  it  on  : 
eve  all  dat  you  sa  inks  beat  de   . 

blar  , 

i  ever  hear  a  more  manly   little  marincro 
Sen  0  of  her  husba:,  -.•  general  said  that  he  tiuv.i^ht  I  stood 

could  see,  an  :  L'ostello  raurm 

some  words  that  sounded  very  sweet,  and  I    •  mpared  m«  to 

an  a- 


Leivey  and  I. 


"Now,"  s.iici  the  wife  of  the  governor,  "do  an  act  of  justice.  You  hav« 
•seard  both  sides.  Issue  the  order  for  the  young  menV  .  and  with 

draw  their  matriculadors,  so  that  they  will  no  lon^c  .:ice  to 

Mexico  and  Califon.ia.'* 

"  It  shall  be  done.     Make  out  the  papers  immediately,"  the  general  said 
to  his  secretary.     "  Revoke  the  matriculadors,  .i-ul  give  the  your... 
documents  allowing  them  to  remain  and  travel   in  the   State,  where  they 
aacl  when  they  please.     All  that   I  require  of  them  io  that  they  will 
sw*,ir  not  to  take  up  arms  against  us  or  Mexico." 

•  '.Y>  will  do  it,"  the  impulsive  Lewey  exclaimed.  "  We  love  the  people 
too  well  to  raise  our  arms  against  them,"  and  that  seemed  to  satisfy  all  par 
lies  except  the  captain. 

44 1  ask,  general,  that  you  will  now  revoke  the  commission*  of  these  two 
enganchadors,"  pointing  to  Antonio  and  Carlos.     "They  are  not  such  men 
as  you  need  for  the   work.     Dishonorably  discharge    them,  and    without 
.." 

44  One  moment,"  cried  Antonio.     4'  Let  me  say  a  word." 

"  How  dare  you  speak  without  permission  ? "  asked  the  general's 
wife. 

"Yes,  how  dare  you  open  your  mouth  until  I  have  given  consent?"1 
thundered  the  general. 

'•lie's  dished,"  muttered  Lewey  in  English.  "  Nothin'  can  save  him 
now.  Ve  has  de  vincl  aft  all  de  time." 

.e  up  your  commissions  this    moment,"  shouted   the  general,  "and 
leave  the  town  without  delay,  or  I  '11  have  you  shot  before  sum! 

"  My  own  dear  husband,"  cried  Senora  Castro,  and  threw  her  arms 
around  the  general's  neck,  and  kissed  him  on  the  nose,  the  most  convenient 
|}ace. 

"  My  own  kind  uncle,"  Senora  Costello  exclaimed,  anil  .iiound  his  neck 
•rent  her  arms. 

Antonio  and  Carlos  drew  their  commissions   from  their  !  i.dlairt 

them  on   the  table,  by  the  side  of  the  secretary,  and  then   boAini;.  left  the 
room,  glad  to  escape  without  further  injury. 

44  H.r.v  c:n  we  1:  mk  your  excellency  for  this    kindness? 

The  general,  as  soon  as  he  could  •  nn  the  embraces  of  the  women, 

etemed  tc  think  thn  matter  over,  and  finally  said,  — 
:      Jish,  do  you  not  ?" 

44  Y  il.     It  is  my  native  tongue." 

"  Then  repay  my  kindness  by  doing  me  a  favor.     I  want  to  send  a  me» 


Lcwcy  and  /.  303 


senger  to  Captain    Fremont's  camp.    Will  you  take  a  letter  to  him  from 

Mr.  Larkin  motioned  with  his  lips  to  say  "yes,"  for  some  reason  or 
other,  and  I  stated  that  I  would  go  provided  I  could  be  accompanied  by 
Lewey. 

44 1  have  no  objections,"  the  general  remarked.  "  In  fact,  I  will  give  you 
an  escort  of  ten  mounted  men  if  you  desire  it." 

my  answer.     "  I  think  that  if  I  am  to  hunt 
Fremont  in  the  mountains  it  would  be  much  better  to  go  unat 
tended.     Of  course  you  do  not  wish   me   to  play  the  part  of  spy  on  his 
movemci  .  I  will  not  consent  to  do." 

..s  the  reply,  in  a  hesitating  tone.     "  I  should  like  to  know  the 

i  of  his  force  and  what  he  means  to  do,  but  you  need  not  play  the 

part  of  a  e  of  my  scouts  seem  able  to  get  information,  and  all 

have    returned    to    the    town   baffled,   afraid  of    this    American   and  his 

trapp 

^e  conditions   I   will  undertake  the  task,"  I  said.     i4  When  do 
you  requite  us  to  start  ?" 

"Tomorrow   morning.     My  that  time   I   will   have  your  instructions  all 

i   must   return  as  soon  as  possible,"  and  the  general  bo 
show  that  the  interview  was  terminated. 

left  the  governor's  residence  Mr.  Larkin  walked  along  the  plaza  by 
le. 

"Tonight,"  the  consul  s.ii.i.  "I  will  send  you  a  sealed  package  by  a 
trusty  messe..^L-r.  !)•>  n-»t  Lt  any  one  see  it,  or  allow  the  fact  to  be  known. 
The  paper  you  must  place  in  Captain  Fremont's  own  hand,  and  bring  to 
me  his  reply  in  an  c  ier.  I  have  been  endeavoring  to 

comm  \\\  him  fora  week  or  more,  but  failed  time  and  time  again 

through  the  fear  of  my  couriers.     Your  appointment  as  messenger  by  Gen 
eral  Castro  is  a  wonderful  piece  of  good  luck  for  the  United  States  ; 
ment  and  m  •  careful  and  discreet,  and  when  you  return  report  not 

more  than  '  you  see.     Me  faithful  and  you  shall  reap  a  rich  r 

Ask  \  :i   friend   to  keep  a  close  mouth.      You  can   trust  him,  I 

tuppr 

'•  With  my  1;:  nns-vcr. 

"Tb  :  tell  him  more  of  my  busines 

help.     We  are  surrounded  by  spu  ^n   now  men  arc  watch 

We  must  be  seen  together  no  longer.     Do    not  come  near  me  again,  or 
•peak  to  m-  if  we  should  meet.     I  will  see  th.it  a  paper  is  slipped  in'. 


Lcwey  and  I. 


hand  this  evening,  and  that  the  letter  you  bring  me  from   Captain    Fremont 
:sked  for  outside  the  Iim!:s  of   the  town.     It  may  be  an  Indian  woman 
j  on  my  despatch  and  take  the  one  you  bring.    If  such  is  the  case 
she  will  meet  you  on  the  trail,  near  the  Mission  Carmel,  hold  out  her  ham'., 
and  utter  but  one  word,  and  that  one  will  be  '  papel.'     It   will  be   of  no  use 
to  question  her,  for  she   will  not  respond.     As  soon  as  you  hand  her  tin 
per  she  will  plunge  into  the  chapparel  and  disappear,  and  you   will   see  her 
no  more.     If  any  one  should  be   near  pretend  that  she  asked  for  charity, 
but  drop  the  letter  in  the  bushes.     She  will  see  your  action,  and    secure  the 
document.     D.J  you  understand  all  this  quite  plainly  ?" 
«  Yes,  sir." 

-  j'J-by,  and  success  to  your  mission,"  and  the  American  consul 
walked  off,  a  id  left  me  to  the  pleasing  reflection  that  I  was  involved  in  a 
delicate  piece  of  business,  and  might  meet  with  trouble  before  I  ended,  tor 
it  looked  to  me  as  though  I  had  got  to  serve  two  masters,  and  I  might  fail 
in  pleasing  them  both. 

Lewey.  when    I  joined  him,  was  delighted  with  the  thought  of  undertak 
ing  the  excursion.     There   was  just  enough  danger  in  it  to  suit  him.     He 
led  to  be  stirring,  and  meeting  with  adventures,  and  dreaded  a  life  that 
was  not  full  of  excitement. 

I  did  not  think  it  advisable  to  go  to  the   mountains   in  the  costume  of  a 

ranchero,  for  I  fe  ired  some  or  the  trappers  might  make  a  mistake 

and   pick  me  off  . t,  or  on  purpose,  so  once  more  paid  a  visit  to 

k   and   his   sacked    pulperia.     Tne  old   man   was  disconsolate  over  the 

events  of   tiie   pas:   night,  and   had  drunk   more  of  his  remaining  stock  of 

ite  than  was  good  for  his  health,  or  his   understanding.     We   told 

him  that  we  now  required  complete  outfits  of  sailor's  costumes,  and  he   had 

just  wiuit   we   wanted, — hats,  trousers,  and   blue  flannel  shirts.     The  only 

igc  required  being  the  removal  of  the  word  "  Ceynne  "  from  the  L 

ie  sinnet  sombreros,  the  men  who  had  pawned  them  for    rum  not  tal 

the  trouble  to  conceal  the  name  of  the  national  ship   from    which  they   had 

Our  new  additional  suits  did  not  cost  us  more  than  three   dollars,  and,  as 
we  1  '"or  the  articles,  Cook   was    so   much  moved  by  the    trade  • 

he  olio  red    to   treat  us  \  of  liquor,  and    when  we  declined    the 

said  that  he  would  drink  them  hi:,  did  M>.      Luckily,  the\    were  \\ell 

watered  so  not  much  haim  was  done. 

We  passi  1  the  <!;iv  in  l..;!;!:;^  over  t!>e  town,  and  in  calling  or. 
fades  of  the  cavalry.     They  professed  great  joy  in  :  '.ing 


and  f. 


tUr  v  e  were  discharged  from  the  service.    Two  ordinary  greasers  had  been 

r-y  proud   they  were  of   t 
and  I  DC-,- 

army,  and,  in  fact,  we  were  so  glad  to 
did  not  think  it  prudent  to  put  in  a  claim  : 
.-vcrnmeir.  ^  for  se.  -. 

.ind,  as  I  did  as  much  ti  as  some 

s  pension  list,  and   in  the  samt 

1  on  the  i  saw  our  company  drill  in  the  afternoon. 

,f,cent,  but  the  evolutions  were  won.. 

months  that  same  body  of  men,  u 

.  lent  its  aid  in   giving  our  people  a  severe  thrashing, 
while  on   the  march   from  San    Pedro   to   Los  Angeles,  composed  as 

:re  of  good  sailors  and  steady  marines,  five  hundred  of  them 

,,t  the  latter  had  a  field-piece,  and 
.:  us,  for   the    United-States  forces  were  in  such  a 
hurry  that   tl.  ;.r  ships  without  artillery.     It  was  supposed  th;; 

it  to  a  victory,  but  it  was  not  so  in  this  case.     Th, 
fur  our  naval  officers  and  it  was  not  forgotten  while  on 
rbeaCoffl  Stockton  started  his  expedition  from 

:o  Los  Angeles,  with  five  hundred  men  and  sixty  Unite 

of  artillery,  and  won  a 

,u  of  orange-trees  and  grapes  in  triumph,  and 
r  of  the  m 

not  encounter  Antonio 

Id    that  ihey  had  left   town  for  San  Francisco. 
.  but   afterward  learned  that  the  scour, 
kad  gone  in  another  d..  id  we  were  destined  to  again  meet  them  in 

..icxpccted  manner. 

\\'  to  the  beac'i  down  on  the  veranda  of  the  old  custom 

house,  and  looked  off  on  the  quiet  bay,  and  recalled  the  circumstances  of 
our  earl  -Might  how   quickly  the  •  our 

is  on  board  tl,<  'ten,  and  our  duckings  in  the  surf 

were  things  to  be  smi!  not  commented  on  in   an   UTV  n\arv 

;     .      ,,  of  the  crew  of  the  schooner  C 

ant,  o:  .of  Salem.   M  tattooed  kana1 

the  t  seem  to  trouble  them  I 

as  ever,  wben  they  could  Ui  .s  from  tb«  governmeoU     They  did  not 


:o6  Lewey  and  /. 


think  that  any  of  our  national  ships  would  venture  to  attack  the  schooner, 
and  in  this  we  agreed  with  them,  for  who  would  venture  near  that  old 
Queen  Anne  musket,  backed  by  P  kanaka  ? 

We  wondered  where  the  Admittance  was,  and  our  shipmates,  and  thought 
how  surprised  they  would  be  to  see  us,  and  learn  about  the  adventures  we 
had  passed  through  since  we  separated, 

Donna  Costello  was  as  pleased  as  ourselves  at  our  release  from  the  Mex 
ican  service,  and  for  the  first  time  insisted  that  we  should  sit  and  dine  at 
her  own  table.  As  her  husband  ventured  to  offer  an  objection  she  asked 
him  why  he  disappeared  so  suddenly  the  night  before  when  the  earih- 
quake  was  raging.  That  silenced  the  man,  and  he  made  no  more 
remonstrance. 

During  the  evening,  while  Lewey  and  I  sat  in  the  front  yard,  smoking 
and  talking  over  the  business  of  the  next  day,  an  Indian  woman  staggered 
toward  us,  and,  as  she  neared  me,  fell  almost  in  my  lap.  I  uttered  an  em. 
phatic  exclamation,  and  wa.s  about  to  push  her  from  me,  when  I  felt  a  paper 
thrust  into  my  hand.  Recollecting  Mr.  LarkiVs  instructions  I  put  the 
document  in  the  bosom  of  my  shirt,  and  the  woman  regained  her  feet,  and 
wandered  off,  staggering  and  muttering  drunken  curses  on  all  mankind,  and 
the  white  race  in  particular.  Lewey  did  not  notice  the  act,  and  1 
nothing  to  enlighten  him  on  the  subject. 

The  night  passed  off  without  disturbance  of  any  serious  kind.  The  sol- 
diers  yelled  themselves  hoarse,  but  we  were  accustomed  to  the  noise  and 
paid  no  attention  to  it,  sleeping  until  sunrise.  Then  we  had  a  good  wash, 
and  donned  our  sailor  suits,  fed  our  horses  with  a  measure  of  barley,  ate 
our  breakfast,  and  waited  for  the  orders  and  letter  from  Genrr.,1  Castro. 
Captain  Fernando  brought  both  at  eight  o'clock,  and  in  a  few  minutes  we 
had  saddled  our  horses,  taken  leave  of  Donna  Costello,  who  looked  a  little 
sad  as  she  bade  us  good-by,  whistled  to  the  delighted  Jack,  and  dashed  out 
of  town  toward  the  Mission  Carmel. 

We  did  not  meet  even  a  ranchero  on  the  road,  or  trail,  and  as  we  as 
cended  the  mountains  made  as  much  noise  as  possible,  and  even  Lewey 
sang  a  French  song  in  a  shrill  tone,  as  if  desirous  of  attracting  some 
attention. 

When  on  the  summit  of  the  range,  and  near  the  place  where  we  had  met 

the  scouts  a  few  days  before,  one  !     ,  :.i/in-j  note  fro:     I  ,ired 

to  have  the  desired  effect  <  ling   lif  •  in  that  vast  solitude,  for  two 

'i,  well-armed  men  stepped  from  a  thicket  of  bushes  in  front  of  us,  and 

looking  back  we  saw  others  in  our  rear,  with  rifles  all  ready  for  use. 


/  and  I. 


.e  order,  and  we  obeyed. 

.4  v,  B  next  question,  and  we  saw  that  two  of  the 

men  -.He   persons   we    had   encountered   otu  on   the 

mountains. 

rican,"  I  said,  "as  I  told  you  day  before  yesterday. 
«  \\  Jo  yer  want  here  ?  "  was  the  stern  question. 

••To  s "o  Captain  Fremont.     We  have    despatches  for  him  from  General 

»•  Why  did  n't  thegineral  come  with  them  himself?"  asked  the  1- 

outs. 
"  He  is  particularly  engaged  in  counting  his  money  and  drilling  his  men, 

I  x-d. 

,,v   much    money   has   he,   and   how   many   men?"    was    the  gruf 

ques: 

re  do  not  know.     He  would  not  trust  us  with  '  and  we 

1  in  the  greasers  under  his  command.  We  agreed  to 
carry  a  letter  to  Captain  Fremont,  and  expect  to  be  paid  for  it.  Show  us 
your  leader,  and  our  duty  is  ended." 

r  lives  too,  if  you  play  any  of  yer    monkey   shines  on  i: 
Give  me   the'  letter,  and    I   will   see  that  the  captain  gits  it,"  and  the  scout 

ind. 
"G  mend,"  I  remarked.     "  I  must  see  the  captain  in  person. 

to  perform  or  I  get  no  pay,  and   you  wotil!  n't  take  the  I 
I  the  mouths  of  two  hard-working  sailors,  would 

ere  n't  yer  in  greasers' costume  the  other 

.  •  are  in  our  national  dress,  such  as  we  deligl 
wear  under  the  >tars  and  sti: 

The  men  consulted  together,  and  then  the  leader  said,  — 

with  me.     I  '11  take  yer  to  the  camp,  and  if  yer  prove 
traitors  we  '11  put  some  bullets  in  yer  carcasses  so  qu 
what  hurted  \ 

The  leader  of  the  party  and  another  man  motioned  f  them, 

left  the   trail,  and    the  ^)me' 

the  place  were  half 

.nted,  and  rode  through  the  chapparel  and  bushes   i 
when  we  were  near  :niles  from    Monte: 

halt   was   called   for  rest  ftfl 

r    Fremont's   quarters,  and   should    soon  explorer    and    his 

command. 


CHAPTER   X. 

CAPTAIN    FREMONT'S    CAMP. —THE    MESSAGES    AND    DESPATCHES.  —  A 
AROUND  A  FIRE. —  THE  COYOTES'  CALL. —  TIC 

INfc     MR.     LARKIN.  —  INSTRUCTIONS.—  ON    THE 
:,.  —  THE    INDIAN    WOMAN.  —  THE    CAVALRY  SQUAD.  —  Tli 

FOR       LfcTtBRS.  —  ^TR<>     IS     SURPRISED.  —  LEUT.Y      TELLS 

5.  — STORMING  THE  CAMP.  —  FISHING  IN  A  !-,.(,.  —  TI1K 
AMERICAN  PRlGATS.  — SPIES  ON  ALL  SIDES.  —  A  FRUNDLV  WARNING 
-A  NIGHT  OF  TKKKOR.  —  A  GLAD  MGIIT. 

AS  soon  as  our  guides  called  a  halt  on  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  a 
**•  place  that  some  people  call  San  Juan  and  others,  Hawk's  Peak,  al 
though  I  think  the  latter  name  is  the  recognized  authority,  we  knew  that 
we  were  near  the  camp  of  the  invader. 

44  Str  aid  the  trapper,  "yer  can't  go  no  further  on  this  trail  until 

yer  is  blindfolded.     \\-r  may  be  all    right,  and  I  hope  yer  is,  but  we  i 
lo  Injun  ways,  and  don't  trust  no  one  till  he  is  proved  honv  ,1  just 

slip  a  scrape  'over  yer  heads,  and    then  lead  the  bosses,  and  yer    won't 
much  of  our  place  arter  yer    leaves  it.      Now  hold  still,  and  keep 
quiet.     We  won't  be  rough  unless  yer  is." 

"Go  ahead,"  we  said.     "  Only  don't  fool  with  the  dog  as  he  is  dangerous 

.     Let  him  see  all  that  he  can,  and  we  '11  go  it  blind." 
i.m  'ere  is  good  poker  wor  .as   the  grim  rejoinder,  al- 

not   aware  of  it  at  the  time.     "  Now  hold  still.     I  reckon 
n't  see  much,  and  if  yer  comes  near  smotherin1  jist   sing  out  and 

-VS." 

re  put  over  our  heads  one  of  the  scouts  uttered  a  cry 
like  the  bark  of  a  coyote,  and  after  a  moment's  silence  the  sound  was  re« 


Lewcy  and  I. 


,,  could  not  tell,  ow 
aer. 

tear." 
over  rocV  throi 

.  up  hill  and  d  lhe  ani' 

•   our  appearance, 

!   we  found  ourselves  sur- 

I  armed  with  rifles  .  kmves. 

.,-nrstly  as  they  regarded  us,  and  then  01 

,.-m  httecl  mor  water 

t«  said.     "Let 

some 
.  and 

'«  response,  a 

rtheappt 

we  had  heard  of 

seen  all  t;.e  tin 

eak  to  th 

we 

. 

: 

m  of  conv 

at,  and  a 
•son   point 
.    far  as   ?: 
mting  shirt  of  dressed 

was  a  c  -«on  har, 

vel>^neath  »h. 
Uco:r 

nt  for  use 


Lcwcy  and  I. 


lected  for  an  important  command,  as,  if  the  truth  must  be  told,  he  was 
dressed  a  little  worse  than  his  companions,  and  perhaps  a  trifle  dirtier. 
But  his  face  and  eyes  were  attractive,  and  showed  power  and  endurance, 
and  when  he  spoke  there  was  something  in  his  tones  that  denoted  will  and 
courage. 

We  were  so  astonished  at  the  appearance  of  the  man  that  we  could  only 
stare  ai  him  for  a  few  minutes,  unable  to  speak.  Perhaps  Fremont  realized 
the  feelings  he  inspired,  and  let  us  gaze  without  interrupting  our  medita 
tions,  but,  after  he  supposed  we  had  looked  him  over  long  enough,  sudden- 
y  said, — 

M  \Vell,  lads,  who  are  you  and  what  do  you  want  ?  " 

He  did  not  speak  in  an  impatient  tone,  or  as  though  he  was  angry,  but 
just  as  a  business  man  does  when  he  tells  one  ol  his  clerks  to  fill  an  order 
and  waste  no  time  about  it  if  he  knows  what  is  good  for  himself. 

"  Is  you  de  celebrated  Captain  Fremont?  "  asked  Lewey,  who  was  anx 
ious  to  make  a  good  impression,  "  and  does  you  speak  de  French  ?  " 

"  I  am  Ca:»tuin  Fremont,  but  never  mind  about  the  French  as  long  as  you 
speak  English,"  was  the  reply,  and  a  cold,  chilly  smile  accompanied  the 
words,  as  if  the  speaker  did  not  care  for  joking. 

"  Captain,"  I  said,  "  this   young  man  is  a  native  of  France,  and  I  am  an 
an.     We  were  formerly  sailors  in  the  same  ship,  but  were  discharged 
on  account  of  sickness.     We  thought  of  marrying,  and  settling  down  in  the 
country,  but  have  been  disappointed." 

At  this  stage  of  the  story  the  captain  grinned,  as  I  supposed  he  would. 
Our  pathetic  love  story  always  made  both  thoughtless  and  serious  laugh,  just 
as  though  two  boys  could  not  be  stricken  with  the  tender  passion,  and  de 
sire  to  \\-. 

"Come  to  the  point,"  the  captain  remarked,  as  soon  as  the  smile  disap 
peared.  u  You  wish  to  join  my  force  since  there  is  no  chance  for  matrimo 
ny.  Is  that  the  case?  " 

.  sir,  far  from   it.     We  have  had  all  the  soldiering  we  desire  for  the 
c  of  our  lives,"  and  I  rapidly  related  our  experience  in  the  ravalry. 
.\ as  kind   enough   to  11  :tcn  without  a  word  of  comment,  and   when  I 
had  concluded  askc  1  abruptly.  — 

"  How  many  men  arc  there  in  that  company  of  cavalry,  and  who  com 
mands  \\ 

If  he  expected  to  get  any  information  from  us  he  was  mistaken,  even  if 
he  did  take  us  by  surprise  in  asking  the  question. 

.don  me,  captain,"  I  said,  "we  are  not  here  as  spies  or  tale-bearers. 


Ltwey  and  T.  311 


so  please  ask  us  no  questions  that  would  not  be  honorable  in  us  to  answer, 
came  here  as  messenger*  for  General   Castro  simply  because  we  were 
able,  and  can  speak  English.     He  discharged  us  from  the  Mexican 
J  our  matriculadors,  and  is  to  j'ive  us  a  pass  to  reside  or 
travel  in  any  part  of  the  State.     We  perform  this  duty  as  a  debt  of  gratitude 
to  him,  and  with  the  understanding  that  we  should  not  be  required  to  state 
what   we  saw  here,  or  heard,  your  strength  or  intentions.     The  gene 
despatches  will  tell  you  all  that  you  require  to  know  about  his  busii. 

He  looked  at  us  calmly,  seemed  to  weigh  each  word  that  I  uttered,  ns  if 
to  determine  my  sincerity,  and,  while  the  captain  and  I  were  thus  occupied, 
Lewey  put  in  his  oar. 

"Ve  has  been  unfortunate  in  not  bein'  married,  but  at  de  same  time  ve 
honest  young  men,"  just  as  though  th  , 

l.'jwey  uttered  the  words  the  captain  looked  at  him,  and  so  steadily 
that  my  friend  dropped  his  eyes,  for  the  fust  time  a  little  abashed  at  his 
temerity  in  speaking. 

"  You  need  say  nothing  about  the  forces  under  General  Castro,"  Captain 
Fremont  said,  after  a  pause,  "if  you  think  such  a  course  compromises  you 
in  the  Ica^t.  I  know  as  well  as  you  do  how  many  men  ister,  iu- 

I'.i.u  the  latter  are  not  of  much  account  just  at  pres 
ent.     I   saw  some  of  them  pass  over  the  mountains  the  other  the 
I  was  not  inspiring  to  a  warrior.     Give  me  the  letter  from  the 

.swer  tomorrow.     It  is  too  you 

to  return   to  town.     We  shall  have  to  keep  you  in  camp  ail  ni-ht. 
passes  are  difficult,  and  my  scouts  might  tumble  on  you  in  ti.  IS,  or 

on  the  trails,  and  i:  -.ill  do  all  that 

i  to  sec  that  you  are  comfortable,  and  do  not  get  hu;. 
He  nodded  to  a  Delaware    Indian,  ex^  n  in  a 

lone,  and  then  said,  — 

"This  man  will  look  after  ->d  see  that  tl,  ictted 

and  fed.     They  will  be  safe  in  the  morning,  n  uth  are 

nic<-  .:iimals,  and  the  tei- 

of  my  men.     The  1  ' 
they  I  vn.  or  wh  it  is  tnor 

I  approached  and  ;       G  letter  in   the  hand, 

and  as  I  did  so  gave  him  Mr.  L.irkin's  document  at  the  same  time. 

41  One  is  from  the  A  consul,"  1  ilc  is  anxious  to  commit* 

;c  with  you  for  some  reason  best  known  to  himself.     I  will  take  your  an 
swer,  and  see  that  he  get*  it  I  lo  this  for  the  honor  of  my  country  and 


312 


not  for  gain.     I  act  as  messenger  for  General  Castro,  and  not  Mr.  Larkin, 
but  the     Jailer  will  keep  the  matter  lo  himself,  and  1  hope  you  will  also. 

-afety  depends  upo:. 

He  no  i.i'jd,  drew  aside  his  hunting  dress,  and  put  the  papers  in  his  bosom, 
and  as  tie  did  so  I  saw  that  instead  of  wearing  white  linen  next  to  his  skin 
he  had  a  red  riannel  shirt  like  the  rest  of  his  men,  and  not  a  particle  c^ 

u'd  judge  by  a  hasty  glance. 

1    never  fully  kne.v    the  contents  of  either  despatch,  but  I  .surmised  that 
Mexican  general  stated  to  Captain  Fremont  his  firm  intention  of  kick 
ing  him  out  of  the    State  in  shoif.  order  unless  he  took  his  departure  in  a 
i    time.     Mr.  Larkin's   letter,   I  was  afterward   partially  informed,  con 
tain  >rtant  announcement  that  the  Columbus,  Independence,  and 
were  near    the  coast,  and  might  be  expected  in  Monterey  harbor 
.y  time.     Fremont  was    advised    to  risk  no  general  engagement,  as  the 
.icans  were  in  strong  force,  and  if  they  conquered  the  result  would  be 
is  for   American  interests.     This  was  sound  and  good  advice,  and 
I  taken  credit  to  myself  for  carrying  such  valuable  information 
to  one  who  was  hemmed  in  by  mountains  and  an  unfriendly  and  revengeful 
!e.     If  the  United  .ernment  is  disposed  to  grain  me  a  pension 
rvices  on  the  occasion,  dating  from  1846.  I  shall   not    refuse  it,  for 

.uluable  to    people  who  write  books  for  a  living,     liu:. 
')lics  are  ungrateful,  I  fear  the  government  will  never  do  justice,  and 
vote  me  the  money. 

The  commander  of  the  forces  retired  to  tha  shade  of  a  tree  to  read  his 

des^.  !iile  Lewey  and  I  wandered  around   the    enclosure,  which  the 

had  fortified  -  trees,  forming  a  complete  abatis,  the  branches 

extending  outward,  making  the  storming  of  the  place  one  of  extreme  difli- 

.  especially  when  the  inner  circle  was  defended  by  sixty-five  men  \\ho 

accustomed  to  the   use  of  rifles  all  their  lives,  and  dead  shots  at  one 

irds  or  more. 

:ier  was  ready  we  were  requested  to  take  our  share  with  the  men. 

:  of  venison,  and  not  much  else,  but  as  there  was  enough 

of  it  no  one  went  hungry.     Even-  hour  a  b  "iild  drop  in,  and  m 

a  report,  and  another  one  depart  for  some  secret  service.     It  was  evident 

that  I,-,  -}(  on  outside  of  the  lines  that  the  commander  ('i  '  not  know, 

it  of  the  question. 

• 

'.  us  without  suspicion,  and   wi: 
hey  did  not  insist  upon  knowing  too  much   of  what  was  going  on  m 


Lcwey  and  I.  315 


to\vn.  One  of  them  inquired  if  we  were  shaken  up  by  the  earthquake,  and 
asked  how  Cook  felt  at  the  loss  of  his  aguardiente  ?  Then  some  of  the 
men  ia  :.j  one  brauny  ;  i, — 

iould  like  to  have  been  thar,  and  got  a  whack  at  that  rum.     It  seems 
to  me,  Jim,  yer  could  have  made  away  with  a  bottle  or  two  outside 

es,"  and  Jim  responded  by  saying  in  a  significant  to. 
"  I  had  somethin'  else  to  think  oi  ji.->t  at  that  time,  with  a  hundred  fright 
ened  •_  .  .lund  me,  and  any  one  ol  'em  ready  to  cut  my  \\izzen  at  the 

-i  Yank.'1 

;jroof  to  me  that  one  of  the  trappers  had  visited   Monterey  on 
the  night  of  the  earthquake,  in  disguise,  and  seen  all  that  transpire 
taken  :.  .   forces  and  surroundings.     The   mission 

dangerous  one,  and  if  he  had  been  discovered  his  life  would  have  paid  the 
penalty  of  his  rashness.  But  as  Jim  spoke  some  Spanish  he  pi 

1  through  the  crowd  unnoticed  and  undetected. 

That  evening  we  sat  around  the  camp  lire,  smoked  our  pipes,  and  listened 

to  the  tough  yarns  of  the  trappers  and  guides.     They  told   of  bold  encoun- 

:h  Indians,  grisly  bears,  and  other  animals,  and   seemed  as  careless 

of  the  future  as  school  boys.     They  did  not  know  the  plans  of   their  com- 

:  -.hat  they  were,  as  long  as  he  led  them, 

confident  that   he  would  cut   his  way  through  all  o:  Ji    the 

ins  numbered  ten  to  one.     They  had  come  from  the  b.i 
Sacrament-  marched  by  easy  stages   to   their  present   camp,  and 

would  leave.-  when  they  got  ready,  and  not  before.     I   think  that  tin 
the  m  set    of  men  that   I   ever  saw  in  an  enemy's 

their  number,  and  with  no  hope  for  relief  in   case  they 
were*  'heir  line  of  retreat. 

:ied  himself  up  in  his  blankets  under  a  trc 

for  a  ;  !  went  to  sleep,  six  Delaware  Indians —  his  devoted  body 

guard  —  l>i   4  <>n  the  ground  near  him,  ready  to  start  into  life  and  a 
at  a  monv  •  -l.s  at  their  sides,  and  long  knives  r 

It  prti  i  night  in  camp,  as  we  sat  no 

fire,  with  stout    bearded  men   all  around  us,  the   - 

Hid  the  myst 

forest-  :p  from  the  valleys  and  sides  of  the  mountain.     On< 

while  be  wai  heard,  and  then  the  trappers  listened 

very  attentively,  and  after  the  noise  was  repeated  would  mutter,  — 

"  That  's  a  real  brute  arter  a  supper,"  or  else  some  one  growled  out,  — 


316  Lewey  and  I. 


ue  matter  with  Jake  that  he  's  makin'  all  tha: 

•ould  tell  ; 
to  my  ears  both  yelps  M  ...a  1  eouiil  nui  u:>iinguish  il.< 

^  ana  snarii.ig  of  the  brutes. 

.e  by  one  the  hunters  druppu  I  .  and  then  Lev,  and 

Jack  rolled  ourselves  up  io  our  bL  K  Idles  for  pillous  \ 

.ua  we  heard  no  more  noise  uiuii  daylight,   when    the  men  got  up, 
ihuuoclves,  and    some    prepared    breakfast,  while 
others  shuuiucred  their  ritles,  and  departed  upon  secret  service,  uf 
word,  and  receiving  no  orders. 

lads,"  growled   the  trapper  who  had  led  us  into 

camp,  soon  after  breakfast,  and  \ve  removed  the  pipes  from  our  mouths, 
went  to  the  commander,  who  had  resumed  his  seat  on  the  stump  of  a  i: 
and  :st  as  he  did  the  day  before,  handkerchief  and  all,  ' 

contented,   apparently    without  a    thought   of  what   the   day  wouid    1  : 
forth. 

"  Have  you  eaten  your  breakfast  ?  "  Captain  Fremont  asked  as  we  stood 
before  him. 
ir." 

in  return  to  town  immediately  I  suppose  ?" 
"  Yes,  sir,  if  you  desire  us  to  go,"  was  our  prompt  answer. 
«I  do,  -a   Delaware  who  stood  near,  ever  watchful, 

for  1  i.Aain  Fremont  said,  — 

!    young    men's    animals    immediately,    so   that    tin;, 
dep, 

vare  went  on  his   mission,  and  then    the  commander  to< 
docu  :  n  his  pocket,  and  handed  them  to  me. 

."  he  said,  '-is  for    Mr.  Larkin    and  the  other    f- 

^ee  that  both  safely  reach   theic  destination.     1    hav 
quo  governor   to  make  my  \\. 

'•ompliance,  and  now  I  sh.ili  hav-- 
;  e  of  his  army." 

•  i::\"     I     C   «ld     '•    ' 

r  of  men  could  not  accomplish  it." 
!  ovt-r  the  bron/.e  ! 

.  — 
"Ik 

I  made  uy,  and  go  I 


Lnuey  and  /. 


n  110  information  on  that  point,''  I  cried  hastily.     "  I  did 
.is  a  spy,  and  refuse  to  act  the  part  of  one." 

.iplain  said  in  ..  me,  and  with  a  look  on    his 

^hing  his  words  -cry  carefully,  "  I   want  you  to 
..;  the  same  time.     You   must  volunteer  to 
ie  General  Castro  and  his  army  to  this  camp." 

,   'laiic.illy,  and  looked  the  indignation  that  I  felt 
it  the  s 

;ttered   Lcwey.     "  Ve   is    not   mouchers,  by  von  blanked 

The  explorer  waited  until  our  indignation  had  subsided,  and  then  spoke 
as  ,  before,  as  though  he  did   not  feel  discouraged  by  our 

Understand  me,  yo  No  harm  can  happen  to  my  command  if 

do  as  I  request.     I  have  a  motive  in  making  it.     Listen  to 
|vcly,  and  I'lus  plainly  because   I  think  you  honest  and   trust- 

Acre  not  I  should  withhold  my  confidence.     General   Cas- 
•  be  led  here,  and  given  the  impression  that  I  am  weak  in  point  of 
Cumbers  and  intrenchment.     I  want  him  to  charge  the  camp,  and  capture 

nvolve  the  shedding  of  much  blood,  and  our  own  lives 
ild  be  sacririced  by  the  defeated  Mexicans.  No,  captain,  you  must  think- 
some  other  scheme.  We  will  not  take  part  in  the  one  you  propos 

. ;  the  reply,  "did  I  not  say  the  camp  was  to  be  cap- 
\icans?" 

'i  and  the  men  will  lose  your  lives.  The  Mexicans  are  preju- 
<  .tijainst  you,  and  will  spare  not  if  they  succeed  in  getting  you  in  their 
Jower.  -ight  and  fall,  than  be  captured  and  shot  by  the  e;: 

•*  counsel,  young  man,"  was  the  calm  reply,  "  but  I  do  no: 
;          .*  be  captured  or  shot  if  I  can  prevent  it.     All  that  I  a*k  for  is  time, 
:i  .ie  I  must  have.     Listen  to  me,  and  pay  particular  attention  to  what 

!  t  is  important,  and  I  will  trust  you.     We  have  but  ten 

Ammunition   for  each  man,  and  that  is  not  enough  for  a  siege. 

•rtsmouth,  I  have  just  learned  by  a  courier,  is  .r 
ind  from  her  we  can  get  all  the  powder  and  lead  we  desire.     I 
tocpect  l»een  cut  off.     I   thought  I  should 

lock  the  frigate  Congress  in  Monterey  barbar,  or  At  Santa  Barbara,  but  she 


Lewey  and  /. 


has  not  arrived  at  either  place.     General  Castro  is  preparing  to  throw  a 
force  between  me  and  the  latter  port.     He   has  a  regime •:.  Jry  at 

Santa  Cruz  to  cut  off  my  retreat  to  Verba  Buena.  Tomorrow  five  compa 
nies  will  occupy  the  canyons  between  here  and  Santa  Barbara.  I  could 
whip  either  force  if  I  had  plenty  of  ammunition.  But  as  I  have  not  I  must 
do  the  best  I  can,  and  avoid  giving  or  accepting  battle.  If  Castro  wi'. 
draw  his  men  from  Santa  Cruz,  and  concentrate  them  in  front  of  me,  under 
the  impression  that  I  am  determined  to  go  to  Santa  Barbara,  all  would 
1.  You  can  manage  this  by  reporting  that  I  am  fierce  for  a  forward 
movement,  and  will  make  one  at  all  hazards,  say  by  the  day  after  tomorrow. 
Do  you  under  tand  me  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir.  When  the  camp  is  charged  on  there  will  be  no  one  here  to 
capture,"  I  remarked. 

"That  is  about  the  whole  story/' was  the  careless  reply,  with  a  faint 
smile. 

"  I  can  do  it,"  Lewey  said.  "  If  my  friend  no  vant  to  speak  on  account 
of  his  country  me  do  it  for  him.  I  does  not  vant  to  tell  a  lie,  but  I  \il!  for 
vonce.  Dal  is,  I  let  fall  de  hint." 

The  captain  nodded,  and  waved  his  hand  to  intimate  that  the  interview 
was   terminated,  and    also   for   the    Delaware    to  bring  up  the  hoi 
saddled. 

i  will  not  be  blindfolded  in  returning  to  town,"  Captain  Fremont 
said,  as  we  mounted  our  mustangs  and  railed  the  dog.  "  Keep  you: 
open,  and  note  the  trails  and  canyons.  You  may  want  to  find  your  \\ay 
back  in  c.ve  of  necessity,"  and,  just  as  we  were  about  to  bid  the  explorer 
adieu,  who  should  enter  the  camp,  in  charge  of  t.vo  scouts,  but  Antonio  and 
Carlos  Sanchos. 

We  could  not  divine  their  errand,  for  it   was  evident  they  were  willing 
captives,  and  then  it  suddenly  struck  me  that  the  greasers  were  Fremont's 
md  in  his  pay.  or  else  were  desirous  of  selling  their  services  to  him  in 
revenge  for  their  treatment  by  General  Castro. 

"Captain,"  I  cried,  as  the  Mexicans  moved  toward  him,  their  dark  faces 
showing  some  of  the  hate  they  felt  for  us,  yet  surprised  at  the  mi/cling  in 
an  enemy's  camp,  "these  two  ruffians  are  the  worst  scoundrels  in  Califor 
nia.  They  will  sell  you  for  an  ounce  of  gold.  Do  not  put  any  faith  in 
them.  They  will  lie  and  steal  from  rll  parties." 

"  I  know  them,"  was  the  quiet  n 

"  And,  cap'en,"  cried  :he  irrepressible  Lewey,  "  p'ease  keep  de  throat- 
cutters  in  de  camp  till  vc  is  clear  ot  de  trails  and  de  canyons.  Ve  does  nof 


/-  •  /  /.  3 r  9 

to  meet  sich  peoples  in  de  vilderness  unless  ve  has  de  fust  shot.    Au 

We  touched  the  horses,  and  passed  out  of  the  only  entrance  that  was 

.:  of  fallen  trees,  and  as  we  did  so  saw  the  two  Mexican  greasers  gazing 

us,  hate  stamped  on  their  ugly  faces,  yet  baffled  because  they  did  not 

understand  a  word  we  had   uttered,  not  comprehending  our  English,  yet 

suspecting  we  had  given  Fremont  a  hint. 

rude  trappers  joked  us  as  we  passed  them,  and  intimated  that  they 
soon  see  us  again. 

shall  be  in  Monterey  in  a  little  while,"  they  said.    "Tell  old  C»ok 
to  get   in   a  fresh  stock  of  rum,   and   not   to    water  it.     We  want  ours 

>Ie  of  the  abatis  a  Delaware  Indian  on  foot  joined  us,  and  said  that 
.-%  to  act  as  guide  to  the  main  trail. 

still  and  close,'1  he  said,  and  then  moved  along 
.   side,  down   the  valley,  through  a  narrow  gorge,  and  finally 
\  the  m.in  trail  that  led  to  Monterey. 

"You  go  dat  way,"  the   Indian   said,  and  pointed  in  the  direction  of  the 

.  anil  without  another  word  he  turned  and  ;  to  the  forest,  and 

to  sight,  and  we  could   not  even  hear  his  fo<>:  r  the  dry 

-    so  careful   w.  man  in  pickir. 

A'e  noticed  that  he  did  not  return  the  same  route  that  he  followed 
when  acting  as  our  escort. 

i<l  seen  no  one  since  K  I  na,l   no  doubt 

but  that  watchful  eyes  noted  our  movements,  ar.d  kept  the  run  of  o- 

•vas  the  more  convinced  of  this  b-  we  turned  toward  the  town, 

we  heard  far  up  the  side  of  the  mountain  the  hoarse     . 
not  a  bird  of  that  species  was  in  sight.     Then  further  along  there  was  an 
other  "caw,"  id   suddenly  the  wills*  :  :en 
:;et,  and  the  forest  seemed  deprived  of  life,  for  not  so  much  as 
>unded    across   the    trail    as     we    loped  along  or.  ,    to 
rey. 
before  we  got  to  the    Mission  Carmel  we  noticed   an   Indian  woman 

?rries  by  the  side  of  the  road.     She  was  so  much  occupied 
she  did  not  even  look   toward  us,  but  continued  In  r  >kh  head  bent 

down  and  busy  fingers. 

it  luck,  old  lady?"  asked  Le-.vey,  .is  we  walked  our  horses  past 
hex. 


Lcwey  and  /. 


She  did  not  glance  at  us,  but  sim;>ly  uttered  o  1,  and  that 

was,  — 

el." 

Remembering   Mr.  Lirkin's  instructions,   I  dropped    the  letter  which  I 
had   received   for  him  from   Captain  Fremont  into  a  clump  of 
passed  on,  but  as  I  glanced  back  the  Indian  worn  in  was    work 
toward  the  place  where  the  missive  was  concealed,  and  when    we   turned  a 
bend  in  the  trail,  and  took  one  more  look,  she  had  from  sight, 

and  I  saw  no  more  of  her,  but  it  was  lucky  she  met  us  ju.-'  .id,  for 

as  we  turned  we  ran  plump  into  a  squad  of  Mexican  cavalry,  who  \\cre 
drawn  across  the  road,  on  the  watch  for  stragglers  and  foreign  scouts,  and 
rather  careless  in  the  handling  of  their  CJU  r  four  or  live  were 

pointed  at  us,  all  of  them  loaded  and  cocked,  and  the  sergeant  of  the  force 
'.  out  in  a  fierce  tone,  — 

<." 

Of  course  we  stopped.     It  is  always  best  to  obey  ord-jrs   when  you  can't 
help  yourself,  and  to  have  jjreen  soldiers  fooling  with  loaded  guns  in  your 

«  nee  is  not  suggestive  of  a  long  and  happy  life. 
*•  Who  are  you  ?"  the   sergeant  demanded,  as  he  rode  up  to  take  a  look 

The  fellow   knew   us   very  well,  but   preK. 
some  reason  we  could  not  divine. 

are  couriers  in  the   employ  of  General  Castro,"  L  vered. 

"We  have  despatches  for  his  excJleii 

•t  me  see  them,"  was  the  next  order. 

The  piper  was  shown  to  him,  but  as  he  could   not   read  it   did   not  help 
matters  much. 

'•  Dismount,  and  let  me  search  you,"  the  petty  officer  coir 
"  What  for?"  demanded  Lewey.     "We  do  not  We 

have   no  papers  on  our  persons  except  this  one  from  Captain  Freir 
the  governor." 

"  Yn:i  have  seen  the  robber,  have  yon  ?  "  asked  the  non-comnv 
ficer,  and  his  men  listened  with  eager  1<> 

"We  left    Captain    Fremont  only  a  few  hours  s  our  en 

replv. 

"  How  many  men  has  he  un«' 

me,"  I  cried,  ••  for   the   general,  and   not  fof 

you.     If  we  are  detained  much  longer  it  k  von  will   hear  of  it  in 

some  forcible  manner.     His  excellent;,  .-nt  man  when  he  is 

waiting  for  news." 


Liwty  and  I. 


"He   must  wait  this  time."  was  the  answer,  "  for  I  am  going  to  search 
h  of  you.     Such  are  my  orders,  1  am  sorry  to  sa 
"  Do  you  not  recollect  us  ?  "  I  asked.     "  You  must  have  seen  us  \ 

..  when  we  departed  from  Montere 

I,  and  when  you  came  with  the  volante,  as  escort   for    the  general's 
wife  and  Captain  Fernando's  sister.     We  know  you  quite  well,  but  fo.  all 
we  must  search  you.     It  is  orders." 

running  Castro,  or  some  one  else,  had    fiarod    and   suspect- 
d  have  a  package  for  Mr.  Lark  in,  and  if  that  WAS    obtained  the  true 
|    condition  of  Captain  Fremont  and  his  force  would  be  known.     The  Ameri- 
consul  knew  the  peculiarities  of   Mexican    character,  however,  and  had 
f  posted  the  Indian  woman  where  she  would   be  apt  to   encounter  'us  before 
the  soldiers  were  stumbled  upon.     The  latter  never  thou.  iustrious 

.      y-picker  was  waiting  for  a  paper  that  the  M  ,  anx. 

:>us  to  get  hold  of,  and  so  she  passed  on  her    vay.  and  thv 
that  same  ev 

:«1  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars  for  our   I  ..ore  than 

<>   pay  for  our  sailor  suits.     I  trust  t!.  irnbursed 

Jhc  consul  for  the  outlay,  but  fear  not. 

-mounted,  and  the  sergeant  went    through  our  clothing  like  an  ex- 
|_  pcrf  pick  pocket.     He  found  nothing,  however,  but  was  a  little  curious  over 
our  money  bells,  where  our  doubloons  were    secreted.  lold   the 

they  were  charms  for  keepin;  off  evil  spirits,  and  so  our  gold  was 
disturbed,  as  we  feared  it  would  be,  for  there  n  h   to  ten 

•iecompa  ,;ry  to  commit  mur-: 

*  Go  on,"  said  the  sergeant  i  as  the    exumiuat; 

••You  are  all  right.     \Ve  are  satisfi..-,!  that  VMM    |Uvi-   told    ' 

. 

id    not  waste  any  time,  but   remounted  o^r  horses,  and   dashed  to- 
•t*rd  the  tou  ^  about  three  o'clock  in  the   afternoon,     v 

,  directly  to  the  government  house,  but  the  gene;  i    hort  siesta, 

1  not  be  disturbed,  so  waited  an  hour  before  he  awoke  and  re- 
I  us. 

44  Well,  senors."  he  asked,  as  we  were  ushered  into  his   presence,  "  how 
t  did  you  find  Captain  Fremont  and  his  band  of  plunderer 

•ain  is  well,  ge:;  ;(atch    for    \our   in- 

I  formation,"  and   I  handed  the  governor  the  letter  I  had  :.om  the 

*plorer. 


Lcwey  and  I. 


The  general  opened  it,  looked  at  the  writing,  and  then  said,  in  a  tone  of 
scorn, — 

"  It  is  in  English.  I  do  not  read  that  language.  Translate  for  me,  and 
let  us  hear  what  he  says.'1 

I  took  the  document,  and  by  Lewey's  aid  made  out  that  the  captain  was 
defiant,  and  intended  to  march  to  Santa  Barbara  at  all  hazards,  and  at  an 
early  day.  He  declared  that  his  intentions  were  peaceable,  but  he  should 
use  force  against  force  if  necessary,  and  kill  all  who  opposed  his 
progress. 

The  governor  was  indignant,  as  he  had  a  right  to  be.  He  swore  a  liU/e 
in  choice  Spanish,  and  then  turned  to  us  and  asked,  — 

"  How  many  men  has  this  Fremont  under  his  command  ?  " 

"  General,"  I  said,  "you  know  you  promised  we  should  not  be  used  as 
spies.  Please  spare  us  the  pain  of  refusing  your  request  for  information." 

The  general  frowned,  and  Lewey  saw  that  the  answer  was  not  agreeable. 
He  tried  to  blunt  the  point  of  my  speech  by  shoving  in  an  oar  in  his  usual 
impressive  manner. 

"  My  friend,"  he  said,  "  is  an  American,  and  proud  of  his  country.  He 
thinks  that  it  would  be  treason  to  give  reports  that  might  damage  his  na 
tion.  But  I  am  a  Frenchman,  and  can  do  as  I  please.  Question  me,  gen 
eral,  and  I  will  answer  like  a  truthful  man." 

I  gave  Lewey  a  look  that  should  have  made  him  quiver,  but  he  did  not 
appear  to  notice  it.  He  seemed  hardened,  and  lost  to  all  shame. 

"  Well,  my  friend,"  asked  Castro,  "  how  many  men  has  Fremont  under 
his  command  ?" 

"  Two  hundred,"  was  the  prompt  response.  "  I  counted  them  all,  and 
know  Every  hunter  is  a  dead  shot  with  his  rifle,  and  say  that  they 
Can  march  all  over  the  country,  and  no  one  dare  to  dispute  their  \v,iy." 

1  looked  at  the  lad  with  admiration.  He  could  lie  magnificently  when  he 
was  disposed  to  let  himself  out,  and  it  was  evident  he  was  going  to  do  jus 
tice  to  his  reputation  during  the  interview. 

"I  thought,"  crie-V  the  surprised  governor,  "that  there  were  not  mor« 
than  one  hundred  los  Americanos." 

v  mistake,  I  assure  your  excellency.  The  captain  is  so  strong  that  he 
thinks  of  sending  part  of  his  force  to  Santa  Cruz,  and  capturing  the  regi 
ment  that  is  there.  I  heard  the  pl.in  discussed,"  the  wicked  boy  ex 
claimed. 

"Diablo,  is  that  so?  We  must  look  to  it  at  once.  My  men  have  no 
idea  of  such  an  intention.  I  will  send  an  aid  to  recall  all  the  cavalry  this 


Lewey  and  I. 


very  night.     The  saints  preserve  me,  but   \\hat  a  lucky  escape.     Ah,  you 
are  a  wonderful  boy.     You  have  umr  eyes  open  all  the  tin, 

The  mode  Mushed.it  the  compliment,  and  b  .  profound 

ly,  while  I  gazed  at  my  friend  in  wonder. 

14  Did  you    heir,"  insinuated   the   general,  "at  what   time   the   Americans 

^  up  their  line  of  marc 

ne  was  not    definitely  fixed,''  replied   the  youth,  '"but  I  s 
.vill  move  alx>ut  the  day  after  torn 

Net  a  nvin  shall  escape  us,"  and  the 
!>cd  his  hands,  as  he  thought  of  the  surprise  in  store  i 


lead  that  the  Interview  was  ended,  and  we  retired    from 
:he   presence  of  the   general,  Lewey    well  satisfied  with  the  part  h 

.:  to  car. 

•utrageously?"   I  asked  my  friend,  as  we  mounted 
our  horses  to  ride  to  the  house  of  Donna  Costello. 

*Dal  the  lad  replied.     »He   vill   lie  to  us  to  suit  hi> 

ure,  and   ve  mu*t    meet   cheat  vid  cheat.     I  is  a  Frenchman,  a: 
for  de  di;.:  !iud   I   de   chance  a  future  great  vould  be  bef. 

Even    de    n  \.ipulcon   could   tell   som  :,jm  it 

^hould  not  I  foliar  his  exam;  ! 

_•   was    no   use   replying  to  such  an  ar-ument.  so  !  remained    | 
\ve    walketi   our    I-,.  <>ss  the  pi..  ,f  people  turned 

•  ie   rumor  had  go:  a  On  a 

'  uid  returned  alive,  a  wo:  ,>ne. 

..rkin  sitting  on  his  veranda.  I  ut 

isers  of  the 

he  never  saw     us  again,  and  yet  the 

Kith  anxiety  to  learn  all  •.  ,  of  our  trip,  an-i  if  a  c< 

would   be  placed  in  his  hands  before  many  hours,  so  that  he  crul  i  be  in- 
;  ofco-nin.;         i        .          irere  many  watchful  eyes  on  u 

Mr.  Luk.p.  a-id  t!ie  lea  .  .,j   fo    j>t. 

of  the  fact.     And  jentle- 

.-:e  of  his  presence,  and  Donna 

i  aiTeciio 

had  been   her  brothers,  returning    from  a  jo.  :al  monti 

j 

\\\>  turned   our  horses   into  the  corral,  gave  them  a  feed  of  1  arley,  and 
then  listened  to  the  questions  of  our  s-.veet  hostess,  who  was  as  full 


324  Lewey  and  I. 


gallons  as  a  school-girl.  She  supposed  that  Captain  Fremont  and  bis  men 
v.-ere  nearly  akin  to  Apache  Indians,  black,  with  long  hair,  and  half  naked, 
savage  and  untamable,  feasting  on  raw  meat,  drinking  blood  as  a  simple 
tonic,  and  murdering  all  who  crossed  their  path  or  fell  into  their  hands. 

It  was  useless  to  reason  with  the  lady,  or  convince  her  that  she  had 
formed  erroneous  impressions  of  my  countrymen.  She  had  been  told  by 
her  people  the  most  extravagant  stories,  and  really  credited  them.  In  the 
year  1846  such  yarns  were  generally  believed,  and  women  of  superior  edu 
cation,  far  above  that  which  most  received  in  the  country,  declared  they 
should  prefer  death  to  falling  into  Fremont's  hands.  The  most  absurd 
canards  were  reported  by  the  government  officials  for  the  sake  of  firing  the 
hearts  of  the  people,  and  destroying  the  explorer  and  his  men.  I  do  not 
mean  to  intimate  that  the  latter  were  angals  when  on  a  scout,  or  foraging 
expedition,  but  they  were  not  near  so  bad  as  the  Mexicans  in  their  treat 
ment  of  men  and  women  at  lonely  ranches. 

So  Donna  Costello,  in  defiance  of  her  regard  for  me,  would  not  be  con 
vinced,  and  I  gave  up  the  attempt,  and  let  Captain  Fremont  take  care  of 
his  own  reputation,  as  I  supposed  he  \\\u  capable  of  doing  without  any  as. 
sistance  on  my  part. 

Captain  Fernando  called  to  see  his  sister  in  the  evening,  and  had  a  long 
talk  with  us.  From  hints  which  he  dropped  we  knew  that  General  Castro 
was  massing  his  troops  for  an  attack  in  the  course  of  a  day  or  two.  We 
told  the  young  officer  that  we  had  seen  Antonio  and  Carlos  Sanchos  in  the 
camp  of  Fremont,  and  that  it  looked  to  us  as  though  they  had  gone  there 
willingly,  and  for  the  purpose  of  selling  the  secrets  of  the  government  to 
an  enemy.  He  was  much  surprised  at  the  news,  and  immediately  repaired 
to  the  governor  to  impart  the  information,  and  the  next  day  we  had  the 
pleasure  or  ;  I  proclamation  in  which  all  three  of  the  brother 

declared  enemies  of  the  republic,  and  therefore  outlaws,  and  a  price  set  on 
their  1,  !  or  alive.  This  was  something  of  a  change  from  being  the 

unscrupulous  secret  agents  of  the  State,  and  we  rejoiced  that  we  had  aided 
in  their  downf.ill,  for  they  had  persecuted  us,  and  nearly  wrecked  our  lives 
by  their  plots. 

The  next  day  being  Friday,  and  having  nothing  to  do,  we  borrowed  the 
schooner  California's  boat,  and  went  off  the  Point  of  Pines  fishing,  and 
great  success  rewarded  our  undertaking.  We  caught  over  a  hundred 
pounds  of  red  fish,  and  some  other  .  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours, 

and  then  distributed  the  catch  among  suc'i  families  as  our  little  hostess 
designated,  the  governor  being  made  happy  by  the  present  of  about  twenty 


;    and  I.  3- 


pound*,  and  Donna  Augu.-ta  con:'  l  to  us 

i  new  field  of  industry  and  j  '  !   ful1  of  !: 

therc  LQ  in  the  town,  or  a  s-pare  boat  to 

••ime  afterward  Lewey  an.!  I  made  a  profitable  living  in   s. 
ie  market  with  such  fish  as  we  caught,  and  sold  to  1  «ho  had 

!  to  buy.     Quite  a  number  woul  i  state  in  quiet  and  polite  tones,  when 
fob,  that  the  money  would  be  forthcom  or 

I  suppose  the  principal  and  interest  of  sums  owed  us  in  M 
i   pay  for  several   months'  board  at  the  best  hotel  in  the  place 
the  present  time  and  present  r 

.-vening  Captain  Fernando  j  I  ustomed 

.vhile  we  sat  smoking,  intimated  that  a  movement  would  be  made  on 

!  remont  the  ne  .  <!  asked   :: 

•  the  fun.     I  did  not  know  how  to  answer  the  question,  and  required 
to  think  it  over,  while  Lewey  said  that  he  m 

'.ain  was  urging  me  to  accept  the  invitation  an  Indian 

.1  Ml  nearly  in  my  lip,  Kit  a 

ttlc  piece  of   P.II--  into  my  hand,  and  un- 

: he  meaning  quite  plainly,  so  said   not  a  word,  but  concealed  the 
ket  until  I  should  1  •••  '  tne 

aid  of  a  lamp. 

•*Get  out  of  this,  you  drunken,  old  hag,"  roared  our  fri  c  wo« 

nun  uttered  some  words  in  her  native  dialect,  and  staggered  off,  ci> 
-.\  the  cro 

i-le  an  excuse  that   I   wante<l  to  fill  my  pipe,  entered  the  ki: 
where  a  few  coals  were  still  alive  in   the  little  circle  that  answered    for 
stove  and  range,  lighted  a  sliver,  and  read  on  the  paper  the  sir.  — 

"t, 

Then  I  burned  the  scrap  of  writing,  for  I  knew  where  it  c.ime  from,  and 
,cd  the  young  captain  and  his  sister. 

i  will  accompany  my  brother,  will  you  not  ?  "  Donna  Costello  asked. 
••  1  should  feel  so  much  easier  in  my  •  '  your  friend  were  r 

him  in  the  hour  of  battle.     He  is  so  rash,  and  the  A  are  so  deadly 

with  their  rifles.     Say  that  you  will  go.'1 

ild  not  withstand  such  special  pleading  just  after  I  : 

irect  command  from  the  consul,  so  ••  d  do 

a^  1    must   not  be  required  to  take   j-art   in  an 

.men.     This  was  readily  agr.  !   the  same  provis- 

• 


326  Lewey  and  1. 


"General  Castro  is  to  take  command,"  the  young  captain  said,  "so  we 
may  expect  hot  and  bloody  work,"  and  for  the  life  of  me  I  did  not  know 
if  the  officer  was  sarcastic  or  serious  in  his  remark. 

"  The  bugles  will  sound  at  five  o'clock,"  Fernando  said,  as  he  prepared  to 
leave  us.  "  By  six  o'clock  we  shall  be  in  the  saddle.  Better  put  on  your 
Mexican  costumes  to  prevent  mistakes  on  the  part  of  our  men." 

He  kissed  his  sister  good-by,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  house  was  quiet, 
and  we  slept  until  the  loud  notes  of  the  bugles  awakened  us  in  the  morning. 
We  looked  out,  and  saw  men  forming  on  the  plaza,  and  luard  the  rum 
bling  of  three  pieces  of  light  artillery,  as  it  made  its  way  out  of  town,  fol 
lowed  by  a  squad  of  cavalry,  and  then  half  a  dozen  companies  of  infantry 
trotted  along,  looking  none  too  satisfied  with  the  job  before  them. 

We  fed  our  horses,  tied  Jack  up,  as  he  was  not  wanted  on  such  an  expe 
dition,  had  a  cup  ot  coffee  and  breakfast  of  tortillas  and  frijoles,  the  cooks 
and  servants  looking  at  us  with  wonderment,  thinking  we  were  heroes,  and 
then,  in  defiance  of  all  military  rules,  lighted  our  pipes,  and  rode  over  to 
where  Captain  Fernando  was  hard  at  work  getting  his  men  in  line,  prepar 
atory  to  acting  as  escort  for  General  Castro. 

As  we  took  our  places  at  the  head  of  the  column,  special  aids  to  the 
young  captain,  I  looked  across  the  plaza,  and  saw  Mr.  Larkin,  as  usual 
seated  on  the  veranda  of  his  house,  and  apparently  quite  indifferent  to  all 
that  was  going  on  around  him.  He  did  not  even  salute  Lewey  and  myself, 
and  appeared  not  to  see  us. 

Our  old  comrades  grinned  when  they  saw  us,  and  uttered  joking  remarks 
about  our  desire  to  smell  gunpowder,  and  then  there  was  a  hush  along  the 
line  as  General  Castro  and  a  brilliant  staff  rode  by  and  trotted  out  of  the 
town. 

•;  By  fours,"  shouted  Captain  Fernando,  and  the  men  obeyed  the  order, 
and  we  were  off  at  a  lope,  the  women  waving  their  hands,  the  boys  cheer- 
el  the  Indians  looking  on  in  sullen  apathy,  not  caring  who  licked,  or 
if  we  never  returned. 

Just  as  we  got  about  a  mile  from  the  town,  and  had  settled  down  to  a 
walk,  having  overtaken  the  advance,  who  should  heave  in  sight  but  old 
Cook,  mounted  on  a  horse  that  he  had  picked  up  somewhere.  We  won 
dered  to  see  him,  as  he  was  not  a  fighting  man,  but  his  errand  was  soon 
made  known.  Out  of  the  fullness  of  his  heart  he  had  brought  two  large 
flasks  of  aguardiente,  and  gave  them  to  Lewey  and  myself,  on  the  ground 
that  we  had  shown  him  many  acts  of  kindness  in  the  past,  and  bought  all 
of  our  clothes  from  his  store. 


r  and  I. 


"  It  is  for  snake  bites,"  the  old   fellow   g  ,   a   wink  of  his  watery 

eyes.     "  Lots  of  rattlers  in  the  woods,  and  one  might  nip  you.     Don't 
too  bold  for  the  sake  01  do  all    the   tightin_ 

you  wanted  to,"  and  Cook  returned  to  the  town,  reope..  iiop,  and 

hoped  for  the  time  when  ships-of-war  woulJ  enter  ihe   harbor,  sailors  ci. 
ruin,  and  have  the  cash  to  pay  foi  it. 

\Ve  marched  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  a  :  ,r  the  night, 

strong  squads  of  infantry  and   cavalry  being  tl.:  ctions  to 

s  c  ii  a  foe  lurked  near.     But   no  one  of  a  suspicious  nature  was  met,  so 

Booked  our  suppers,  and  ate    them   in  peace,  yet  ail  that  night,  when 

awake,  I  could  hear  the  fierce  barks  of  coyotes  on  the  sides  of  the  moun- 

.  and  the  solemn  hoots  of  owls,   or  the  shrill   screams  of  eagles,  and 

»ndered  if  Fremont's  men    were  engaged  signaling  to  their  leader  our 

position  and  numbers,  or  if  the  noises  were  natural  ones. 

we  were  umler  way  again,  and  in  the  advance.     We  saw  no 

of  scouts,  and  not  a  shot    was  fired  all  day.     The  artillery  was  dragged 

over  some  rough  places,  and  finally  placed  in  position  just  at  sundown,  and 

men  cooked  their  suppers   within  sight  of   Fremont's  camp-fires,  and 

looked  ^lum  as  they  thought  of  the  next  day. 

vey,"  I  said,  after  we  had  eaten  a  portion  of  Captain  Fernand' 
tions,  and  lighted  our  pipes,  "  let  us  give  the  young  fellow  a  lift,  and  a  rep- 

:\  for  dash  and  courage." 

-  Ho  .v  5  "  the  French  lad  asked.     "  I  is  reddy  for  anydinV1 
"  You  know  as  well  as  I  do,''  I  continued,  "  that   Fremont  and  his  men 
are  not  in  their  camp  at  the  present  time.     Their  fires  are  burning  but  they 
gone  toward  San  Francisco,  and  will  travel  all  night,  and  in  the  morn- 

•:it  will  be  useless  on  the  part  of  the  M 
Veil,  vot  of  dat  ?  " 

"  Only  this.     Suppose    we  pursuade  Captain   Fernando  to  lead  a  charge 
at  d  He  will  d.tsh   toward  the  deser  rapture  it,  and  his 

name  will  be  mentioned  for  gallantry,  and  then  promotio:. 

>  it,"  my  friend  exclaimed,  and  t  moment  he  was  deeply  en- 

,-_-d  in   an  earnest  conversation  with   the  young  captain,  and  the  result 
a  hasty  visit  to  the  headquarters  .tro,  and  when  the  offi' 

cer  returned   he  s.ii-1   that  his   r,-qu 

know  if  we  would  accompany  him  in  the  charge,  and  as   there  was  no 
ger  we  agreed  to  do  so. 

The   men  were  informed  of  theii   honorable  position,  bat  did  not  seem 
particularly  ple.ised  at  the  prospect  before  them.     There  was  no  retreat 


I.tivt     and  I. 


::id  just  as  the  sky  showed  signs  o(  light  in  the  morning  the  dis- 
..    y  was   ti>r:n.- I  in   line,  *  lew   hasty  orders  issued,  and  then 
came  the  word,  — 

ielante,"  or  "forward." 

ashed  over  rocks  and  fallen  trees,  not  a  shot  being  fired,  and  with  a 
cheer  charged  over  the  abatis,  and  the  camp  was  in  possession  of  the  Mexi 
cans.     Not  a  single   defender  was  in  sight.     All  had   vanished  during  the 
;\nd  left  their  rires  burning,  the  embers  still  smoking.     All  the  prop 

I  been  re  mo.-  i    some  old    saddles  and  blankets  not 

taking  away.  IJut  the  stronghold  was  captured,  and  Fremont  had  retreated. 
That  was  glory  enough,  and  for  a  while  the  air  was  vocal  with  cheers  and 
congratulations.  Captain  Fernando  siiook  hands  with  us,  and  declared  that 
his  fortune  was  now  made. 

The  cheers  reassured  General  Castro.     Up  the  mountain  side  he  came 
on  the  run,  his  horse  jumping  over  trees  and  stones,  and  when  he  wa 
in  the  circle  of  the  camp,  and  saw  that  the  victory  was  complete,  ; 

•.  no  bounds. 

"Glory  to  the  saints,"  he  cried.  "Long  live  Mexico  and  the  republic. 
The  victory  is  ours.  Give  me  a  piece  of  paper." 

.LIK!O  handed  the  governor  a  slip  of  paper,  and  then  the  gen 
era!  wrote  a  despatch  for  the  people  of  Monterey.  Instead  of  ink  he  used 
gunpowder,  dissolved  in  a  little  water. 

"  On  the  field  of  battle,"  he  wrote,  "  I  pen  this  despatch.  Our  troops 
have  achieved  a  great  victory.  The  daring  robber  and  his  men  have  been 
driven  at  evrry  point,  and  are  in  rapid  flight.  I  shall  pursue,  and  not  Jeave 
a  man  alive  to  pollute  our  soil.  To  the  saints  belong  the  glory  o"  tins  «;re.Y 
i.  I  shall  send  all  the  spoil  captured  to  Monterey.  Let  the  belli 
rin0r,  and  the  people  rejoice.  I  proclaim  a  day  of  feasting  for  thi» 
success." 

"  Colonel,"  the  governor  said,  turning  to  our  young  friend. 

;>tain,  your  excellency,"  young  Fernando   responded,  in  a  mode§f 
tone. 

"  No,  sir,  colonel,  from  this  time  forth.  You  have  won  the  title,  an{ 
shall  wear  it.  For  your  bravery  on  this  trying  occasion  take  this  despatct 
to  Monterey,  and  lose  not  a  moment.  I  will  push  o.i.  an .!  overtake  iht 
robbers." 

It  was  with  much  difficulty  that  Lewey  could  prevent  a  shout  of  laughter 
eicaping  from  his  throat,  and  thus  incurring  tlie  d.-adly  enmity  of  the  gov- 
trnor.  He  gave  me  a  look,  but  did  not  dare  glance  at  the  newly-mad* 


Lewey  and  /. 


colonel.     The  c:  i  luve  l^cn  too  much  for  both  of  them. 

,,n   prom<  ;  renown  I-  -ind    i   hoped  would  prove 

i'ul. 

"General/'  said  the  youn-  colonel.  "  I  will  hasten  to  the  town,  and  carry 

no  objections  these  two  young  men  shall  ac- 


jmpan 


•.;lcm  if  j  ...ive  behaved  as  gallantly  as  Mex' 

^hould  like  to  promote  them  if  they  were  in  the  army." 

.oral   and  his  enthusiastic  follow 
ie   mountain  we  found  our   horses,  mounted,  AH 
ere  the  good  QCWl  v*l  received  with  shout.. 
.led  a  meeting  of  the  inliabitants,  and  it   was  resolved  to  en- 
:n  the  go  ien  he  returned   with  a  bull  and  ' 

ge.     The  programnv.- 

•:orf  for  in  a  few  days  the  troops  made  a  triumphant  entra 
.::  pursuit,  as  we  knew  he  won 

iff,  then  the  trumpeters,  and  f< 
x-horses  with    the  captured  materials,  consisting  of  old 

'  a  blouse  which  some  one  had  forgotten.     . 
United  Slates  buttons  the  soldiers   swore   that  it  w  .is  Fremont's  unii 

I  on  exhibition  at  the  government  hous 

the  .  n.     A   Te    Deuni    • 

bratcd  in  the  church,  and  the  bull -fight  was  a  j;rcat  success,  only  one  \ 
an  oeing  killed,  and  four  hordes  injured. 

.imcd  the  duties  of  his  high  po  1  drill 

•  very  proficient  in  their  evolutions.     I ! 

:1  to  Lcwey  an  1  mys-lf  th.it  v,  r.vited    to 

•  stello's  house  our  home,  as  a  protection  to  her  am: 
,MHC  faint  nd  then  turned  oui 

•  r  the  sake  of  \  v.iy  the   time,  and   mak 
were  free  to                        -ed,  and  could 

t  not  been  so  dangcrou 

le  country  being  infeste:  >nes   and   wandering  i 

of  .  .  determined   to  steal,  and  kill  all  who  opposed 

mtime  built  .1 
ce,.  ,-e  persons,  and  se. 

morning, 

cnuld  before  dinner,  and  sold  what  we 


.?jo  Lewey  and  L 


reration  for  board,  so  we  kept  her  table  supplied  with  fish,  and  such  friends 
as  she  designated.  We  were  thus  enabled  to  save  a  few  dollars  each  week, 
and  were  very  pleasantly  situated.  My  evenings  I  devoted  to  teaching  the 
pretty  little  \\ife  English,  and  while  she  did  not  make  much  progress,  the 
gratitude  she  expressed  was  more  than  enough  to  recompense  me  for  my 
trouble. 

One  morning,  in  the  early  part  of  July,  1846,  we  were  fishing  oil  the 
Point  of  Pines,  anchored  near  the  black  rocks,  in  a  dense  fog,  with  a  light 
southerly  breeze.  The  sport  was  good,  and  we  were  rapidly  completing  our 
fare,  when  suddenly  we  heard  the  flapping  of  sails,  and  rattling  of  blocks, 
and  then  the  shrill  notes  of  a  boatswain's  whistle,  at  the  same  time  the  mo 
notonous  tones  of  a  leadsman,  as  he  chanted,  — 

••  By  the  deep  nine,"  showing  the  ship  was  in  nine  fathoms  of  water. 

"  By  gar,"  said  Lewey,  "  von  man-of-war  near  us.  Hear  dat  quartermas 
ter  in  de  chains  takirv  de  soundin's." 

"By  the  mark  eight/'  we  heard  from  the  ship,  and  we  supposed  she  was 
feeling  her  way  into  port,  but  was  too  near  the  rocks,  we  judged,  to  be  safe 
and  prudent,  if  she  would  escape  disaster,  as  there  was  a  sunken  ledge  that 
run  some  distance  from  the  shore.  The  fog  was  so  thick  we  could  not  see 
the  vessel,  but  \ve  imagined  her  to  be  a  man-of-war  by  the  sound  of  the 
pipes  of  the  boatswain's  mates,  and  the  regular  chants  of  the  leadsmen, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  craft,  calling  the  depth  of  water  every  ha!f 
minute. 

"  Ship  ahoy,"  I  hailed. 

"  Well,  what  is  it  ?"  responded  a  stern  voice  from  the  unknown  vessel. 

'.ter  starboard   your  helm  a  little,  and  keep  off  a  point  or  two.     Von 
are  near  a  reef." 

We  heard  the  order  given  to  starboard,  for  the  sailing-master  must  have 
known  that  the  advice  was  good,  and  then  we  were  hailed  in  return. 

"  Boat  ahoy,"  came  in  ringing  tones  from  the  ship,  as  she  fanned  her  way 
along,  under  the  light  breeze,  just  enough  for  steerage  way. 

"  Well,"  was  our  answer. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  was  demanded  from  the  ship. 

liermen  of  Monterey,"  and  Lewey  grinned  as  I  answered. 

"  Phase  rome  alongside,"  was  the  next  command. 

"  I  replied,  "  we  are  very  comfortable  where  vve  are." 

"  If  you  do  not  drop  alongside  we  will  send  a  shot  in  your  direction,"  was 
the  next  threat, 

44  And  -\aste  your  powder  an<}   lead.    You  could  not  hit  a  barn-door  in 


Lewey  and  I.  33 l 


tiis  fog,"  and  then  the  French  boy  laughed  so  heartily  that  he  fell  on  the 
oottom  ot  t:  i  nearly  crushed  the  life  out  of  0  :ttered 

and  then  barked  defiance  at  the  Bl 

those   impudent  fellows  a  shot  :  > -ard  gang- 

some  one  from  the  quarter  deck  exclaim, ;.  me,  if 

th;  man  di-i  .  the  order  I  one,  for  the   i  L  mus- 

heard,  and  a  ball  struck  the  water  not  more  than  three  fathoms  from 
our  boat,  and  Lcwey  uttered  a  yell  as  though  he  had  been  hit,  and  groaned 
in  the  most  pitiful  manner,  while  Jack  howled  in  symj 

cried  some  officer  from  ihe  ship-oi 
ve  n't  life  enough  left  to  answer  you,"  i 

you  badly  hurt,  poor  fellows  ?  "  and  there  was  a  to:  in  the 

officer's  voice,  at  the  same  time  we  heard  a  cutter  lowered  by  tin:  run. 

"  Hurt  ?  ''  echoed  Lewey.     "  Ve  tells  you  dat  you  could  not  hitde  side  of 
de  barn  of  de  door,  and  now  ve  knows  it." 

i  impudent  vagabonds.     If  we  only  lay  hands  on  you   we  will  show 
what  we  can  do,"  came  in  threatening  tones  across  the  wat- 
doubt  the  spe.V  >iacere  in  what  he  said. 

•p  quiet,''  I  whispered  to  Lewey.   "One  of  the  ci  .  the  water, 

and  pulling  in  search  of  us." 

We  jumped  to  our  anchor,  and  run  it  up,  but  just  at  that  moment  Jack 
commenced  harking,  and  before  we  could  quiet   him  our  \as  re* 

vealed.     A  boat  dashed  alongside,  a  midshipman  and  ten  men  looked  us  all 

nd  appeared  much  astonished  at  what  the\ 
"  Who  in  the  devil's  name  are  you  ? ''  the  officer  as 

entender,"  we  answered  in  Spanish,  meaning  that  we  did  not  • 
stand  him. 

.1   that,"  was  the   midshipmi  Are  no 

ins,  I  know." 

"  I'arlez  vous  Francais  ?  "  askc«:  '  itli  an  innocent  smile. 

"  I  '11   break  your  heads  with  a  stretcher,  if  you 

the  next  threat,  and  then  I  looked  at  the   young  offio  :  time,  and 

saw  that  he  was  an  old  schoolmate,  the  .«ame  one  I  ha  e  was 

a'tached  to  the  Ceynne,  and  on  the  coast  years  before. 

"  Whv,  r,o!>.   oM    fellow,  how   ^oes  it?"  I   asked,  as   I   recognized   the 
midshipman.  no\v  grown  to  be  a  manly  \  .  .\ith  a  little  down  on  his 

upper  lip  and  chin. 

Tie  stared   in  amazement  at   my  impertinence,  and  the   next  instant  we 
were  shaking  hands,  like  good  friends  as  we  were. 


Ltwey  and  I. 


1  horn,  old  boy,  who  in  the  deuse  would  have  thought   of  seeing 
you  here?"  he  dem  .  ••  So  you   are  the  one  who  has  l» 

pranks  on  the  old  frigate  Cumberland  and  Commodore  Sloat  ?     Won*".  h« 
dress  you  down  when  he  sees  you?     Oh,  no,  I  guess  :.ot.'' 

"  Let  us  slip  out  of  this,  Bob  ?  "  I  pleaded. 

"Can't  do  it.  You  must  go  on  board  and  face  the  music.  Out  with  the 
oars,  men,  and  take  the  boat  in  to\v.  \Ve.l,  well,  t<,  think  we  should  meet 

nse  fog,  is  one  of  the  marvels  of  th.-  age." 

>,"   I   asked,  "are  you  very  anxious  for  the  safety  of  }our  sturdy 
ship?" 

"Yes,  she  is  a  staunch  old  craft,  my  home,  and  I  love  her  like  a 
moth 

"  Then  you  had  better  hail,  and  tell  the  skipper  to  come  to  anchor,  or  he 
will  be  in  trouble  with  this  flood  tide  and  light  wind.'' 

The  midshipman  looked  horrified  at  the   idea  of  my  calling  his  captain 
a  "  skipper,''  but  he  waited  until  the  leadsman  called  out,  — 
vuuterless  s'even,  and  then  hailed,  — 

"Cumberland  ahoy." 

"  Cutter  ahoy,"  came  back  in  ringing  tones  from  the  frigate. 

"  The  fishermen  are  Americans,  and  recommend  that  you  anchor  until 
the  fog  clears  up.  They  know  the  harbor  well,  and  think  the  tide  is  setting 
the  ship  too  far  in  shore,  and  it  is  not  safe  to  find  the  anchorage  until  the 
weather  is  clear." 

.  ay.     Bring  the  fellows  on  board,  and  let  us  have  a  look  at  them," 
came  from  the  frigate. 

"  Fellers,*'  muttered  Lewey.  u  Your  skipper  has  de  politeness  not  much. 
Ve  is  gentlemen  of  de  leisure,  and  fish  for  de  fun  of  de  ding,  and  vot  plata 
ve  gits." 

There  was  the  piping  of  boatswains'  whistles,  — it  was  dew  up  and  clew 
down,  —  and  then  a  stern  voice  called  out,  — 

•*  Stand  by  the  anchor." 

"  Put  your  helm  hard  to  larboard,"  was  the  next  command.     (If  nautical 
men  are  inclined  to  find  fault  with  the  term  "larboard,"  they  wii 
recollect  that  the  word  "  port  "  was  not  officially  introduced  into  the   r.avy 
until  Bancroft  was  secretary,  when  it  was  used  to  prevent  confusion.     This 
was  about  1847,  when  Polk  was  president  of  the  United  States.) 

"  Let  go  the  anchor,"  was  the  next   order,  and   the  huge  piece  of   iron 

1  :•>  the  bottom,  and  the  chain  rattled  out.  and   the  people  on   shore 

ihat  a  ship  hud  arrived  near  the   town,  while   Mr.  Larkin    sat  on   his 


Lewey  a>  333 


.nd  wondered  ii  t'  •-•Is  had  cornt  at  last,  and  ii  it  was 

_;ii  and  be< 
-  Kor  giacious  sake,  Thorn,"  crictl  the  midshipman,  "  what  prompted  you 

• 
Hc.;  aile  the  culler  was  towing  our  boat  alongside, 

..nchored. 

I  -c-ncli  inend  here  and  myself  thought  of  marrying 

.  of  course  the  midshipm  -is  a  mat- 

,  men  all  grinned,  ai  i  had  uitcred 

\vas  singular  in  your   tastes,"  the   midshipman  muttered, 
ippose  you   desired  to  be  plural  in  your   habits,''  but  that  remark 
M  no  one  smiled,  as  it  was  not  understood,  consequent  \  my 
o,  hurled  uve  at   the  head  of  the 

and  told  him  to  keep  stroke,  and  mind  his  eye. 

t  the  frigate  loomed  up  through  the  fog,  and,  as 

1   two  tiers  of  guns,  in  all  a 

u'  n  very  !UMY/  OO«4  u»r  those  days,  and  her  c  t  of 

'fired,  as  the  middy  informed  us. 
ir  fun  commences,"  whispered  the  officer.     "Comm 

will  £ivc  you  a  dose  of  pepper.  see  if  he  doe-,  n-.t.     Keep 

A  commodot  a  man   in   the  .dthough 

•    much  .it  home.     Here   we  go.      In    1-ow.     Way 

'ongside,  and   many  wondering  eyes  were  on  us  as  I 
<>ver  the  steps,  the  French  lad  with  an  expression  on  his  face 

with  all  this  attention,  good  peo 
•  ;ie  commodore  deaires  to  see 

then  possess  that  friend  of  mine,  for  he  ran  back  to  the 

gangway,  looked  do-.vn  at  our  boat,  and  yelled  out  to  the  midshipman  who 

s  on  board,  — 

14  De  poiss      '     I)    not  if  you  please  de  men  let 
to  c  to  lose.     Vc  sell  all  for  four  cents  de  pound,  I 

!-•  big  von  for  de  commodore  at  half  price,  for  trade  allow 

Ther  rror  depicted  on  the  faces  of  the  officers  of  the  quarter-deck, 

Trench  fn<  be  put  under  arrest,  and  fed  on 

.:  he  looked  so  simple  a  •  .t.  just  as 

he  had  no  idea  of  oii^iu...^,  4uU  tM«d  for  no  one,  that  ht  wa»  only 


Lewey  and  7. 


pulled  away  from  the  rai!  by  gentle  pressure,  and  told  in  a  hoarse  whispci 
to  stop  his  noise,  and  go  aft. 

cap'en,"  the  enthusiastic   French  lad  cried  to  a  third  lieutenant, 

who  blushed  at  being  so  saluted,  "you  vill  our  fish  vatch  ober   for  us,  and 

sell  him  you  vill  de  moneys  all  gib  to  me,  and  1  skall  be  so  much 

obliged  as  eber  vas;  for   I   is  a  poor  boy,  and  far  avay  from  mine  native 

land." 

11  you  go  aft,  you  blanked  fool  ?"  whispered  one  of  the  lieutenants, 
"and  if  you  do  not  stop  talking  until  you  are  spoken  to  we  '11  pitch  you 
overboard  whh  a  round  shot  tied  to  your  feet." 

"  Qu'est  ce  que  vous  voulez?  "  demanded  the  unblushing  Lewey,  but  the 
lieutenant  only  shook  his  head,  and  pushed  the  French  lad  toward  the 
commodore,  who  was  all  swelled  up  with  offended  dignity,  having  been 
kept  waiting  two  or  three  minutes,  owing  to  Lewey's  desire  for  fun  and 
frolic  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States  naval  officers. 

"  Take  off  your  hats,"  some  one  whispered,  but  my  friend  pretended  not 
to  hear,  so  his  sombrero  was  removed  from  his  head  by  an  officer,  and  just 
as  the  commodore  was  about  to  open  his  mouth  that  wild  boy  went  off  on 
another  tack. 

"  O  cap! tan,"  he  cried,  "  mine  dog  in  de  boat  is.  Vill  you  tells  de  mens 
net  to  steal  him,  as  much  value  he  is." 

"  Well,  I  "m  blanked,"  muttered  the  commodore.  "  Who  in  the  devil's 
name  are  you?  and  where  do  you  come  from?" 

"  Me  poor  French  boy,"  was  the  reply.  "  Me  leaves  home  for  de  fortune 
to  seek.  Speak  you  de  booful  French,  capitan  ?  " 

There  was  a  negative  shake  of  the  head  from  the  commodore. 
Vi,  you  like  him  so  much.     Skall  I  speak  some  for  you  ?  " 

"Take  this  parrot  away,"  roared  the  commodore.  i4  He  will  drive  me 
crazy  with  his  lingo.  Come  here,  you  other  boy.  Let  me  see  if  you  can 
answer  questions  in  a  ship-shape  manner." 

I  stood  before  the  commodore,  not  in  awe,  for  I  had  seen  bi;:-_er  men, 
but  determined  to  no  longer  provoke  the  officer,  for  his  patience  had  been 
already  tried  quite  severely. 

4;  Who  are  you,  sir  ?  "  askc-i  the  autocrat  of  the  quarter-deck. 

"  I  am  an  American,  and  at  present  a  fisherman  of  Monterey,  sir." 
i  beach  comber,"  was  the  retort. 

"  I  did  not  state  so,  sir,  and  fear  that  I  am  not  up  to  the  standard  of  •> 
person  who  passes  his  time  on  the  beach,  in  search  of  a  ship  and  a  job,  ana 
hopes  never  to  find  either,"  I  saii  , 


Levuey  and  I. 


1!  how   came  you  here,  if  you  arc  an   American  ? ''  demanded  the 
com 

:  .irged  from  my  ship,  and  expected  to  mar: 

'.y  candid  answer. 

Of  Co .;r>e    I    knew  that  all  the  officer*  wou'.d  lau-h.     '1  hey  saw  th 
re  smile,  and  followed  suit.     It  was  the  usual  custom. 

\cre  the  next  blunt  words,  just   because    I    h 
eing  married. 

.  but  a  fool  would  not  have  asked  you  ; 

rs,  and  shoalin  ,  >mcnt, 

I   you." 

!  you  the  one  who  hailed  the  frigate  for  that  purpose 
modore. 

>." 

<ult  us  and  provoke  a  shot  ?  " 

French  friend  is  a  litil;  loco,  and  not  responsible  for  his 
He  does  not  k:io  v  what  he  is  doinij  half  the  time." 

;k  me  if  I  did  n't  think  so."  was   the    exclamation.     "  I   can  always 
tell  a  cra-ty  man.     He  is  as  mad  as  a  march  hare,"  and  the  offi.  - 
confirmation  of  the  words. 

,iid  the  commodore,  and  he  looked  profound  and  seri 
kno  v  of  affairs  on  shore  ?     In   what  part  of  the  country  is  C 
:  nt  ?  " 

"  He  was  near   Monterey  a  few  weeks  since,  but  left  fo:  icisco 

_•  found  that  an  attack  was  to  be  made  on  his  position,  which  ' 
•  ,  • 

;s  the  force  of  the  Mexicans  on  shore 
-omcthinjj  I  cannot  answer  you,  comm 

>Ute  an  oath." 

•-•  both  of  you  positions  on  the  ship,  so  thcj 
Tell   all  you  know.     How  many   guns    does   the   presidio  com- 

"Not  many,  but  you  will  have  to  find  out  '  k.     (icr. 

and  the   American  consul  have  been  expecting  you  for  weeks,  and  ; 
are  prepared  lor  your  reception.'1 

"Can  you  take  a  note  on  shore  for  Mr.  Larkin  from  me?"  the  officer 
a»Ved. 

"  Yes,  sir,  but  it  would  not  be  prudent  on  our  part.     We  should  lose  the 
Dumber  of  our  mess  if  we  did  so." 


Lewey  ana  I. 


rotecl        ..'\vastheassuredstatement. 

.ild  n<-t  keep  the  point  of  a  sharp  knife  out  of  our  ribs  the  first 
dark  ni^ht,"  1  answered. 

erhaps  not,  but  we  could  avenge  your  deaths." 
"  That  would  do  us  no  good.     We  prefer  life  to  revenge,  sir." 
'      "  M  i  are  right,  but  it  seems  to  me  that  an  American  should  akl 

•.in try  in  everyway  possible." 

;iat  aid  can  a  boy  afford  to  a  large  frigate  like   this,  full  of  men,  and 
capabl  ing  every  fort  on  the  coast?     No,  sir,  we  have  prom 

tr.il,  and  we  desire  to  keep  our  words.     Even  now.  if  it  was 
know;  oarded  your  vessel,  we  should  be  looked  upon  as  sospecho- 

y.     Let  us  go  on  shore,  please,  before   the  fog  ' 
.ie  and  undiscovered." 

."  the  officer  said,  and  waved  his  hand.  "lint  if  Mr.  Larkin 
should  learn  the  Cumberland  is  near  we  should  not  feel  ungrateful.  Do 
you  understand?  " 

r.     He  will  hear  of  the  event,  it  is  quite  probable,  before  sun- 
•  :id  touching  my  hat  I  left  the  quarter-deck,  and  joined  Lewey. 
'Hie  French  lad  had  negotiated  the  sale  of  all  of  our  fish  to  the  purser  for 
the  ward-room  officers,  and   received   four  dollars  for  the  catch.     We  took 
the  bearin-js  by  the  compass,  entered  our  boat,  and  pushed  off  for  the 
Point  of  Pines,  and  guided  by  the  roaring  of  the  surf  made  <  ur  v.ay  to  the 
usual    landing.     As   we   hauled  up  our  boat  we  saw  Mr.  Larkin  sitting  on  a 
rock,  near  the  gully  by  the  presidio,  and  apparently  quite  content  to  wait 
until  the  fog  had  lifted  and  revealed  the  beauties  of  the  bay. 

"  Well,  boys,  what  luck?"  he  asked,  as  he  came  toward  us  and  looked 
into  the  cmMy  boat. 

i  much  today,  sir.     The  fish  did  not  bite  very  lively,"  we  answc 
"  Perhaps  the  ship  that  recently  anchored  in  the  bay  scared  them  a 
the  American  consul  remarked,  as  he  examined  the  boat,  and  saw  the 
of  a  good  catch. 

"  Should  n't  wonder  if  such  was  the  case,  sir,"  and  we  turned  the  boat 
over,  and  washed  all  evidence  of  fish  from  the  bottom  and  thw.i: 

"Look  here,  boys,"  the  consul  said,  in  a  low,  confidential  tone,  so  that 
no  lurking  spy  could  overhear  his  words.  M  what  ship  is  that  which  recently 
anchored  off  the  Point  of  Pines  and  is  still  obscured  by  the  fo^  ?  " 

ed  around.     No  one   was  near  us  except  a  soldier  of  the  presf- 
as   on  duty,  and  watching  the  fog  and  our  proceedings  at  the 
same  time. 


and  T. 


"  [1  gate  Cum 

.  •_-  been  on  board  of 

••  Y  «..->.  s.r.     We   were  requested   to  do  so,  and  the  polite  command  was 
backed  by  a  cutter  and  eleven  men." 

11  And  von  musket  shot  dat  came  near  us,"  interrupted  the  irrepressible 

••  I'nder  the  circumstances  we  went  on  board,"  I  continued. 

.Is  all  our  fish  for  four  dollar,"  my  friend  remarked. 
A  good  price,"  Mr.  Larkin  said.     "  I  am  glad  that  you  did  so  \v 
jeli  nv,  i  ids,  did  you  not  bring  on  shore  a  letter  from  the  commodore?" 
••  N-i.  >.r,  we  did  not  dare  to,  for  fear  of  suspicion.     But  you  will  hear 

d»ip  in  the  morning,  or  as  soon  as  the  fog  1: 

'•  I;  ii  rjuite  probable,"  was  the  short  answer,  and   Mr.  Larkin  walked 
irard  his  house,  near  the  plaza,  and  once  more  took  his  accustomed  seat  on 
the  \  md  looked  off  toward  the  bay  and  the  fog,  and  even  hummed 

;olly  character,  when  no  one  was  near  him. 

The  sentinel  shouldered   his  pi:  :med  his  monotonous  rounds, 

e  consul  d  ired,  and  two  Mexicans  came  out  from  a  little  > 

near  the  beach,  and   moved  toward   the  custom  house,  on  the  re 
blulf.      r,t  \  had  seen  no  exchange  of  packages,  and  therefore  were  a  1 

We  had   noticed    the  men  when  we  landed,  and  k: 
wer<  ons,  but  they  .  -.c  operation. 

10  fish  fa  -^mers  th.  d  some  of 

were  a  little  disappointed,  a  the  Lenten  season,  and  : 

n  by  the  priests  for  the  time    being.      We  pleaded  that    tl 
tribe  were  driven  off  by  the  fog  and  a  shark,  and  the  answer  satisfied  them. 

,  we  promised  an  abundance  for  the  r.< 

•\  we  reached  our  home  for  the   time  being,  and  inquired  of  Donna 
Costello  the  whereabouts  of  her  brother,  the  colont •'  ttcd  to  ! 

he  had  ridden  over  to  Santa  Cruz  to  review  some  -d  would 

until  the  next  d .iy.     W  •    -,  mted  to  do  the  officer  a  good  turn, 
get  him  out  of  harm's  way,  and   perhaps  capture,  for  we   knew  the  t 
would  have  to  surrender  as  soon  as  the  Cumberland  anchored  near  the 
presidio,  and  brought  her  guns  to  bear  on  the  place.     There  was  no  force 
lo  stand  before  the  ship,  as  the  cannon  of  the  f  '  to  much, 

except  in  the  way  of  ornament.     But  one  thing  remained  for  us  to  do  i 
would  repay  all  the  colonel's  acts  of  kindness,  and  that  was  to  give  him 
warning  at  once   to   keep  away  from   Monterey,  or  move  his  men  out  of 
harm's  way. 


Lrwey  and  7. 


We  had  not  ridden  our  mustangs  for  several  days.     They  were  in  thj 

corral,  and  impatient  for  a  run.     Telling  the  pretty  little  wife  \ve  weregoit.g 

Mllop  along  the  beach,  and  should  not  return  until  late  at  night,  we 

saddled  our  horses,  slung   our  riiles  over  our  shoulders,  and   started  for 

Santa  Cruz. 

\e  struck  the  hard,  white  sand  the  tide  was  fast  ebbing,  and  there 
lear  course  after  passing  the  re.nnants  of  a  wreck  about  a  mile  from 
the  custom  house.  We  halted  for  a  moment  near  the  landing,  and  looked 
off  upon  the  water,  still  covered  with  a  dense  fog.  There  was  no  sign  of 
the  Cumberland,  and  not  even  the  creaking  of  blocks  or  spars,  or  the  pipes 
of  the  boatswain's  whistles  were  heard.  All  was  silent,  and  no  one  would 
have  suspected  that  a  ship  with  six  hundred  men  was  so  near  us.  This 
quietness  was  maintained  through  the  strict  discipline  of  the  crew.  The 
order  had  passed  for  repose,  and  it  was  obeyed  to  the  letter.  Even  the 
sails  were  not  furled,  as  they  might  be  needed  as  soon  as  a  little  air  should 
come  along,  and  blow  the  fog  away.  A  surprise  was  intended  for  General 
Castro  and  his  troops,  and  it  would  have  been  successful  had  we  not  fa 
vored  a  friend,  and  the  latter  saved  his  countrymen  from  shot  and  shell,  and 
a  surrender. 

"  Alons,"  said  Lewey,  and  just  as  we  were  ready  to  start  oar  horses  into 
a  long  and  untiring  lope  four  cavalrymen  broke  through  the  fog,  and  rode 
toward  us,  lariats  in  their  hands. 

"  Parada,"  they  said,  and  we  halted  on  the  instant,  for  we  had  no  occasion 
to  run  away,  and  there  was  no  show  for  us  with  those  reatas  ready  to  be 
thrown  with  deadly  precision. 

"  What  is  wanted,  amigos  ?  "  we  asked  as  the  men  came  toward  us  and 
looked  us  over. 

"  The  general  is  anxious  to  know  where  you  are  going,"  one  of  the  men 
%i  He  noticed  today  you  caught  no  fish,  that  you  had  a  long  conversa 
tion  on  the  beach  with  Mr.  Larkin,  and  he  does  not  understand  your  move 
ments.  He  dislikes  to  think  that  you  are  sospechosos,  for  he  has  a  high 
opinion  of  your  good  qualities  and  bravery.  But  these  are  trouM 
times,  and  we  must  be  guarded." 

"  Tell  the  general  —  and  may  he  live  a  thousand  years,  and  enjoy  the  best 
of  health  —  that  we  are  taking  a  ride  to  Santa  Cruz,  just  to  see  our  friend 
Colonel  Fernando,  and  to  exercise  our  horses." 

"You  are  sure,  amigos?"  asked  the  non-commissioned  officer  of  thf 
squad. 

"  Quite  sure,  comrade/'  was  our  positive  answer. 


Lewey  and  I.  339 


•10  objections    t  ;^»s  'jf  m>'  c"niW< 

hood,  and  bravest  of  marincros  ?"  the  offic 

associates  go  with  •  demanded,  and 

iew  they",  a  sent  to  watch  our  move- 

.  do. 

.mch  pleasure  sh.i.l  we  join  you.     We  have  nothing  else  for  c! 
and  a  long  gallop  will  do  us  g'  >    i.     Van  «,  senors." 

.t  up  their  lariats,  coiling  them  on  the  pommels  of   their  saddles,    . 
and  |  :   the  hard  sand  as  fast  a-  to   in   the  fog,  al- 

thou  ^se  at  the  edge  of  the  water  as  in 

Our  horses  were  v;  nuch  superior  to  the  cavalrymen's  that  we  could 
have  run  away  from  them,  but  did  not  care  to  do  so.     U\-  had  n  >  desire  to 
hosos,  for  our  lives  might  have  been  l  had 

no  place  I  Uiere  we  would  have  been  safe,  just  at  that  time.     So  we 

did  ivit  hurry  the  pace,  and  therefore  were  two  hours  in  reaching   Santa 
Cn:  '  passed  the  old  mission   I   saw  my  friend  the  padre,  and 

•topped  to  exchange  a  f  with  him  and  the  hous  -tter 

giving  me  a  grin  o!  delight  at  the  meeting. 

*  The  priest  told  us  where  we  could  find  Colonel  Fernando,  and  on  rid 
to  the  spot  indicated  found  him  inspecting  a  company  of  raw  recruits.     He 
was  much  surprised  to  see  us,  and  also  to  find  that  we  had  an  esr 
"Colonel,"  we  siid,  "  we  have  ridden  this  way  to  see  you  pcr> 
these  gentlemen  did  not  believe  us,  so  came  along  to  note  if  we  spoke  the 

truth." 

the  men  belonged  to  the  colonel's  regimen*,  they  did  not 
:i  he  said  in  a  stern  tone,  — 

ese  senors  are  my  friends.     I  wi'.l  be   responsible  for  them  a- 
actions.     Return   immediately  to  Monterey,  and   report   to  C 

m\ 

The  soldiers  saluted,  wheeled  their  horses,  and  were  off,  • 
back  to  see  if  we  were  noting  their  movements. 

;  nv,  senors,  what  is  the  news?"  asked  the  colonel, 
i      ortancc  has  happened,  or  you  would  not  seek  me  here. 

fare  or  that  of  nv.  -u'c  al  hc 

*«  c.<:  "  it  is  for  your  good  tint  we  have  com- 

Communicate  must  be  a  secret  between  us.     This  you  will  pro 

••  Vet,  quite  readily." 

"  Look  of!  upon  the  bay,  colonel.  ' --nsc  EQf. 

He  glanced  toward  the  ocean,  and  nodded  hif  head. 


Lewgy  and  /. 


Under  that  fog,  colonel,  and  near  the  Point  of  Pines,  is  a  hu»e  Yankee 
frigate.  As  soon  as  the  mist  rises  she  will  be  in  position  to  threaten  the 
town,  and  compel  its  surrender.  We  want  to  save  you  and  your  dear  sister. 
There  is  no  time  to  lose  if  we  would  do  so." 

41  Diablo,  I  should  think  not.  Our  presidio  will  not  stand  a  broadside, 
and  my  regiment  might  be  made  prisoners-of-war ;  and  just  as  I  had  got  it  in 
good  order,  and  feel  my  position  and  importance.  Honors,  you  must  return 
with  me  to  Monterey.  -My  soldiers  will  march  tonight.  To  you  can  be 
entrusted  the  care  of  Donna  Costello.  Her  husband  does  not  know  enough 
to  have  charge  of  a  pretty  wife  in  such  doubtful  times  as  these.  I  shall  go 
into  camp  near  the  Mission  Carmel.  Your  Yankee  friends  will  not  dare  to 
follow  me  there.  I  only  wish  they  would.  I  'd  cut  them  off  root  and 
branch.  There,  don't  be  angry  at  my  words.  Our  nations  arc  at  uar  but 
we  nre  not.  Let  not  the  sound  of  strife  destroy  our  friendship,"  and  the 
gallant  young  man  held  out  his  hand.  "And  you  came  all  this  distance  to 
give  me  warning,  did  you?  "  the  colonel  asked,  "and  General  Castro  sus 
pected  you  of  some  treasonable  design  ?  He  would  doubt  his  own  mother 
in  war  time.  A  little  impulsive  is  the  general,  but  he  means  well,  and  can 
fight  hard  with  pronunciamentos.  In  fact,  he  can  Hog  the  wi.ole  of  your 
nation  with  a  dozen.  But  let  the  horses  have  a  breathing  spell,  aud  we  will 
return  to  town." 

\Vc  \\cnt  to  the  mission  and  had  a  bit  of  bread  and  an  olia,  fed  our 
horses  with  a  little  barley  and  at  four  o'clock  were  on  the  road  to  Monte 
rey,  the  good  prdre  blessing  us  as  we  rode  away  from  his  house.  I  never 
saw  him  again. 

The  fo^  still  hung  about  the  bay,  but  no  sound  was  heard  from   the  frig- 
wc  dashed  along  the  beach.     The  colonel  was  to  go  immediately  to 

nl  as  he  turned  to  d  i«l  in  a  warning  tone,  — 

"  You  will  not  mention  the  source  of  your  information,  amigo  ?  Runein- 
i>  r  I  am  an  Americano.'' 

i  of  me.     1  shall  set  you  ri-ht  in  t  i.il's  estimation. 

r  the  imjM  oo.     Yoif 

nu-,  and  .  ]  -»n." 

vent    to   our  quutt     |  Jit,  but  did  not 

r.ine  oV!»  was  a 

iI-Hiel  at   the  head   of  his 

regiment,  n  \   C,\\\\\\  or  trumpets, 

.10  government  oluVials.     Old  Cook 
rubbed  his  the  matter  was,  and  Mr.  Larkin  sat  on 


Leivfy  and  /.  341 


his  veranda  and  looked  across  the  bay  as  far  as  the  fog  would  permit,  and 
i  the  mist  would  rise. 

cnor  Costello  went  with  the  governor  the  protection  of  the  wife  and 
child  devolved  upon  us,  and   the  duties  were  will 

iht  but  that  we  should  look  after  her  in  a  satisfactory  mann- 
she  had  implicit  trust  in  our  ability  and  courage  to  defend  her  against  out- 
,s  and  Indians   were  more  to  be  dreaded  than  the  Amcri- 
._«  had  no  doubt  the  captors  of  the  town  would  resj 
who  did  not  bear  arms,  and  offer  to  fight  for  the  glory  of  Mexico. 
At  ten  o'clock  it   was   known  to  the   worst  class  of  the  commun:: 
the  soldiers  and  officials  had  gone,  and   left  the  place  defenceless.     Then 
stores  were  entered,  and  liquor  sought  in  all  directions.     Old  Cook  ' 
concealed  what  he   had,  and  shut  up  shop.     Mr.  Larkin  disappear 

1  of  his  house,  and  i  looked  across  the  bay.     Lewcy  and 

[9   and  rifles,  and  sat  near  the  door  of  Donna  Co 
house,  iu  the  dark,  and  heard   the   howls  of  the  drunken  brutes  a 
waited    for  dawn,  but  before  that  came  we 
ive  from  outrage  the  pretty  little   wife  who  i  -ft  in 

.  nnd  the  life  of  her  only  child,  the  swe< 
<•  most  an*  'it  we  had  ever  passed,  and  we  th.r 

•  .une,  and  the  i^onc,  and  out  in   the   !. 

.nchor,  the  Cumberhml  and   Independence,  with   the  An^ 

aks,  and  the   risir.  'stripes  as 

tliey  floated  in  the  light  northerly  breeze.     And   Mr.  Larkin  once  m 
on  the  veranda  of  his  house  and  looked  across  tht  hummed 

all  to  himself,  for  no  one  was  near  him  except  an    Indian  woman,  who  had 
the  re;  I  being  a  drunkard.     Hut  w  h.vl  to  meet  m 

•\  1  the  flags  were  seen  to  gladden  our  he.i: 
•y. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

THE   ATTACK   ON   THE    HOUSE   AND     ITS     REPULSE.  —  EDWARDO     SANCHOS 
ISA     JUST     FATE. —THE     RESCUING     PARTY     FROM     THE    FRIGATE 
CUM  —  A    WINDFALL   OF   GOLD.   -TIM.    BREAKFAST.  —  A    PRE 

DICTION.  —  HOISTING  THE  AMERICAN  FLAG  AT  MONTEREY.  —  A  LAST 
VIh\V  OF  rHE  TOWN.—  UN  THE  MAKCH.  —  TERRIBLE  DEATH  OF  TWO 
WO.M.  ..EDY  EXECUTION. —  A  NIGHT  SCENE  ON  THE  BEACH. 

—  A   SURPRISE,    AND    AN    ESCAPE.  —  STRAY    SHOTS. 

TT  was  fully  ten  o'clock  before  pandemonium  in  its  worst  form  broke  out 
*•  in  the  liiilc  town  of  Monterey.  Then  the  native  rum  began  to  exert  its 
full  force,  a  id  tne  peons  and  half-breed  Mexicans  rushed  through  the 
streets  in  scorch  of  plunder  and  outrage.  All  of  Donna  Costcllo's  servants 
had  fled  from  the  premises,  and  no  one  but  Lewey  and  I  were  left  to  pro 
tect  the  house  and  its  precious  inmates.  We  closed  and  barred  the  door, 
put  out  the  lights,  and  sat  near  the  entrance,  with  our  firearms  all  ready  for 
use,  dr  i  attack,  yet  not  disposed  to  shirk  one  should  an  assault  be 

made.  At  one  time  we  were  inclined  to  put  the  lady  on  a  horse,  and  escape 
to  the  mountains',  but  the  sight  of  the  crowd  of  drunken  wretches,  as  they 
yelled  and  howled  around  us,  showed  that  it  was  not  feasible,  and  we  deter 
mined  to  remain,  and  do  the  best  we  could,  the  little  wife  half  the  time  on 
her  knees  praying  to  the  saints  for  protection,  and  begging  we  would  not 
leave  herself  and  chil  1  to  a  shocking  fate. 

Luckily  the  lx>y  slept  through  the  tumult,  and  did  not  realize  his  danger, 
while  I  consoled  the  senora  the  best  way  that  I  could,  and  promised  no 
harm  should  come  to  her  if  I  could  prevent  it.  A  dozen  times  did  the  lady 
put  her  arms  around  my  neck  in  the  dark,  \vhen  the  noise  was  the  loudest, 
and  press  her  cheek  to  my  face,  tremble,  and  shed  tears  of  terror,  but  she 
t  no  more  of  the  act  than  if  I  had  been  her  brother,  and  I  did  not 


Lewey  and  I. 


even  strive  to  kiss  away  the  moisture  that  flowed  from  her  dark,  glorious 
eyes.  I  imagined  it  would  be  sacrilege  to  do  aught  but  comfort  her,  and 
hope  tor  the  best. 

It  was  near  twelve  o'clock,  we  judged,  when  a  a  drunken  peons 

stopped  in  front  of  the  house,  shouting  and  yelling,  while  some  of  them  en 
tered  the  patio  in  search  of  plunder.  They  went  through  the  cook-house 
like  a  tornado,  but  found  nothing  of  value,  as  we  had  removed  all  the  prop- 
erty  that  was  worth  anything  to  safer  quarters.  The  scoundrels  manifested 
their  displeasure  by  a  scries  of  groans,  and  then  some  one,  who  seemed  U 
be  in  authority,  or  the  leader  of  the  gang,  came  to  the  door,  and  pounded 
on  it  in  a  threatening  manner. 

41  Cobardes,  Americanos,'*  he  yelled,  "  come  out  of  the  house,  so  that  we 
can  see  your  white  faces,  and  feel  of  your  throats.  We  want  you  for  a  par 
ticular  purpose." 

Jack  uttered  an  angry  growl,  as  though  he  scented  danger,  but  we  quieted 
him  with  a  word,  and  attempted  to  reassure  the  frightened  lady,  who  was  now 
certain  that  outrage  was  near.     We  made  no  reply  to  the   demand,  and  it 
repeated  in  more  emphatic  tones,  and  s  ill  we  re  -  '  -nt. 

••  \V  :i  you  show  your  white  faces  ?  "  the  fellow  said,  "  or  break 

in  the  doo; 

We  hoped  the  gang  would  suppose  we  hail  made  our  escape  to  the  moun- 
;.  so  declined  to  answer,  but  the  fellows  evidently  k:,  la  the 

house,  for  the  speaker  again  cried  out,  — 

44  Bring  a  piece  of  timber.  We  will  batter  do.vn  the  door,  an  1  han.;  the 
Americanos,  and  then  do  what  we  please  with  the  won. 

I  could  feel  Senora  Costello  shudder  at  the  words,  and  she  clur 
Closer  to  my  neck,  but  I  removed  her  arms,  and  whispered,  — 

44  Go  into  your  room,  and  be  with  the  child.     You  must  not   ham; 
with  tears  and  entreaties  just  now.     There  is  to  be  a  stru 
one,  but  we  hope  it   will  result   in  our  favor.  our 

succe 

She  kissed   my  hand,  and  left   me.     Then  we  hear  . 
patio,  and  knew  that  a  piece  of  timber  had  been  found,  l.i 
>wn  the  door. 

L  Ip  de  fust  von  vot  enters  dis  room,"  rm. 

•  1  the  ominous  click  of  the  lock  of  his  ritle,  the  f  his 

pistols  and  long  knife,  as  though  he  meant  every  shot  to  tell. 

'•  Will  you  come  out  ?  "  asked  the  leader  of  the  peons,  a>  sc*on  as  lie  had 
the  piece  of  timber  all  roady  to  use  as  a  batte.ine 


Lcu'cy  and  I. 

ten   to  us  for  a  moment,"  my  French   friend   said,  in  a  determined 

\fe  are  well  armed,  and  the  first  one  who  a 

room  will  die  like  a  dog.     Go  away  and  leave  us,  or  the  worse  for  you.     \Ve 
shai:  ie  premises  with  our  lives." 

"  You  will  find  it  different  here  from  shooting  unarmed  men  on  the  sum 
mit  of  the  Sierra  Santa  Monica,"  the  leader  said,  and  then  \ve  knew  whom 
we  had  to  deal 

14  It  is  Edwardo  Sanchos,  the  younger  brother  of  Antonio.  an<!  the  scamp 
who  attempted  to  ambush  us  when  we  crossed   the   mountains,  on  our  j'nir- 
>:TI  Los  Angeles  to  Santa  Baibara,"  I  whispered.     "  You  remember, 
I  hit  him  on  the  hand  or  shoulder  with  a  rifle  bullet,  when  he  was  attempt 
ing  to  throw  his  knife.     Now  he  thinks  his  time  has  come  to  punish  us." 

"•  It  has  if  he  crosses  de  threshold  of  de  door,"  Lewey  muttered  in  a  reso 
lute  tone. 

you    yield  ? "    asked    Sanchos,    after    a    moment's    cessation    of 
ties. 

,  we  will  die  first,"  was  our  defiant  answer. 

•.vn  with  the  puerta,"  was  the  command,  and  the  timber  was  raised, 
and  dashed  against  the  portal. 

The  .*>light  door  was  torn   from   its  hinges,  but  we  stepped  aside,  and 
.1  the  crash,   and  the  next  instant  a  dozen  men  sprang  forward  to 
enter  the  apartment. 

"  Gib  dem  de  debil,"  rnaivoi  Lewey,  and  bang  went  both  of  our  rifles,  and 
two  peons  staggered  bick,  and  fell  into  the  arms  of  those  who  were  just  be 
hind  them,  and  we  held  the  ruffians  in  check  for  a  moment,  and  but  for  a 
moment. 

••to,"  yelled  S;uu:!io.;,  '•  the  b  it  &." 

:  \\.\rd,  in  obedience  to  or 

the  voice  and  presence  of  a  '  .  and  sprang  full  at   the 

of  the  speaker,  for  we  could  see  the  ladrones  stan  <  en  us   and  the 

•.  hilc   they  did   not  note  us  very  well   with   our  backs  to  the  adobe 

It  wouM  hive  been  short  work  with  our  dog,  fi-?  could  have  cut 

ily  if  we  had  not  ii.  ,-1  aimed  at 

id.  and  let  drive.     The  ball  .^Ir-ick  the  ; 

nbled   over  ba  .     moved    afterward,  while 

;;o  more  fight  in  his  late  ant/.  sertcd 

j.it   of  a  half  breed'  e  out  whole 

fpouthfuls  of  cloth  and  flesh,  and  the  f  .-How's  yells  were  as  fearful  as    ti/e 


Lewey  and  T. 


•creams  of  the  peons  in  the  patio,  who  were  furious  for  vengeance  now  tli.it 
^nellL'd  blood. 

>es  for  anuder  von,"  cried   Lewey,  and  as  he  fired  there 
(all  and   a  howl  of  agony.     Then   we  poured  in  our  two  remaining  shots, 
1  our  ri:^  ,1  at  the  heads  of   the  nearest  enemy,  and  crushed 

the  skulls  of  all  who  were  close  to  us.  There  was  much  hot  work  for  a  few 
minutes,  and  the  result  would  have  been  fatal  for  us,  overpowered  by  num 
bers  as  we  i  confronted  with  greasers  inspired  with  artificial  cour- 
•£e»  cr  rum  and  a  desire  to  be  revenged  on  us  for  the  death  of 
friends,  and  also  the  thought  that  Donna  Costello  had  money  and  jewels  in 

ouse. 

One  fellow  made  a  hack  at  us  with  his  heavy  machete,  but  missed  his 
aim,  as  we  could  see  his  motions,  and  he  did  not  observe  ours  on  account 
of  facing  the  li^ht.  The  next  instant  the  stocks  of  our  lifles  descended 
on  the  Mexican's  ri^ht  arm,  the  terrible  weapon  was  dropped,  and  a  yell  of 
agony  told  that  tl,-:  limb  was  broken  near  the  hand. 

\Ve  could  not  retreat.     Our  backs  were   to  the  wall,  and  half  a  hundred 
undrels  were  confronting  us  in  the  room  and  the  patio,  and  just 
as  we  were  almost  ready  to  despair  of  beating  back  the  crowd  of  fiends,  we 
heard  a  loud  cheer  in  the  street,  and  then  the  shout  of.  — 

rvay.     Give  the  greasers  a  touch  of  steel,  boys.     Down 
the  blanked  scoundrels.     Let  'em  have  hail  Columl 

like  command  with  a  yell  of  delight,  put  in  a  few 
bl  our  rifle-stocks,  and  then  there  was  a  rush  from  the  patio, 

the  greaser*  tumbled  out  of  the  house  in  headlong  haste,  only  to  be  struck 
down  with  .  piket  and  cutl.i-ses,  and  in  ten  minutes  after  the  first 

there  was  no  one  present  in    the  court-yard  ex 
cept  t'.  »;indcd,  and  half  a  hundred  blue-jackets  making  merry 
ie  expeditious  manner  in  which  they  had  scattered 
•  !>,  and  not  lost  a  man  in  return. 

as  soon  a*  possible,  and   then  spoke  to  the  officer  in 
i  ><!,  who  proved  to  be  my  old  schoolmate   Dob,  a  midshipman  of  the 
••  Cumber! 

1  he  asked,  "  was  it  a  tight  squeeze  this  time?" 
"The  stiffe  t   little   breeze  we  ever  s.i  vere-1.     "  A  1 

more  and   we  vhould  have  been  finishe  !.     Never  did  we  hear  a 

more  joyful  cry  thu  in  the  En-lish  linu 

"  I  thought  that  would  fetch  'em,"  chuckled  the  officer.     "  If   ! 
charge '  the  boys  would  not  have  understood  me.     SUnd  still,  you  rascals. 
89 


Lewey  ami  f. 


Don't  leave  the  ranks  and   hunt  for  aguardiente.     Theie  is  none 
town."  to  the  sailors,  .ling  restless  fo? 

ires. 

the  marines,"  some  blue-jacket  cried, 
ho  said  that  ?   '  demanded  the  middy,  but  no  one  responded  to  the 

.tion  for  reasons  of  his  own. 
'.  )ou  happen  to  be  on  shore  at  this  time  of  night  ?  "  I  asked  the 

"The  simplest  thing  in  the  world.  About  six  bells  Mr.  Larkin,  the 
American  consul,  sent  a  despatch  on  board  stating  that  the  town  was  given 
up  to  pillage,  and  asking  the  commodore  to  land  a  party,  and  restore  ord<-r 
if  possible.  There  are  two  hundred  of  us  scattered  about  the  villau 

ve  kept  the  greasers  on  the  run  ever  since  we  touched  the  beach. 
All  th  inarched  off  at  dark  we  had    been  given  to  understand,  so 

there  was  not  much  of  a  chance  for  a  fight  after  all,  and  perhaps  it  is  just  as 
well.  ady.  you  villains,  or  I  '11  break  your  necks  as  sure  as  you 

live.     There  is  not  a  drop  of  rum  in  the  place  I  tell  you." 

"We  is  anxious  for  water,  Mr.  Bob,"  a  veteran   said.     "  We  is  parched 
.  drink." 

S  of  fire-water,  but  you  won't  get  it,  now  I  tell  you.     Stand  sti.l  un 
til  the  marines  come  up,  and  show  'em  how  steady  you  are  on  land." 

4i  The  sojers  be  blanked,"  was  growled  out,  and  then  I  whispered  to  the 
midshipman,  — 

tew  bottles  of  aguardiente  in  the  house.     Let  one  of  your 
:nen  deal  it  out  in  gentle  tots  to  the  lads." 

"All  right.  Here,  Williams,  you  act  as  purser's  clerk,  and  serve  out  a 
tot  of  gro£  to  each  man,  and  mind  your  eye  while  you  are  about  it.  No 

splices  if  you  please.     I  shall  look  after  you,  be  assured." 
The  cheer  that  followed  this  announcement  could  have  been  heard  on 

ite,  and  away  up  the  mountains. 

VvY  furnished  a  lot  of  tin  pots,  the  liquor,  and  a  light.     The  men  were  re 
freshed  after  their  fight,  and  then  wanted  another  scrimmage,  in  hope  of 
i  ^  more  rum. 

/'asked  Bob.  "what  are  you  doing  here?     Is  this  your 
home 

S  for  the  present.     We  were  trying  to  save  from  outrage  a  lady  who 
has  been  very  kind  to  us." 

y  ?  " 
"  Very." 


.   and  I. 


"  Let  me  get  a  -limpse  of  her.     I  have  not  seen  a  petticoat  for  months, 
and  long  (or  the  si-lit  of  a  sweet  face." 

.    ere  arc  too  tiuny  dead  bo  lies  lying  around  loos-. 

agreeable  to  a  young  woman.     Come  in  the  morning,  and  you  shall  luv. 
r    introduction,  if  the  lady  does  not  object  to  seeing  a  Yankee  off: 

•  ought  not  to,  after   all  of  our  efforts  to  save  the  place.     Hut,  by 
'.here  goes  the  bugles.     We   are  signaled  to  form  on  the  , 

>  soon  as  possible.     Come,  muster  in  line,  men,  and  pro. 
re  to  rejel  >u  go  to  the  starboard.     Stamp  along 

ut  for  breakers,  and  tii-  i  at  the  same  time, 

that  you  know  how  to  inarch  as  will  a 
t  the  jolly  blue-jackets,  joking  ar. 
kcd  sume  drunken  hall-breed  with  their  board  :ng-pik 
fc    an  who  was  a  in  le  loo  obtrusive. 

••«.»»  as  ihe  sailors  had  departed  I  pushed  open  the  door  and  entered 
the   room   where   Donna    Costello  and  her  child  were  concealed.     Tlu 
i  praii    ig  :iie  saints   in   thanksgiving   i"i-r  her  escape  : 
/.!»  and  outrage,   ami   the   little   boy   was   sleeping   q>i.etiy,   not   having 
1C  night,  through  all  the  tumult  of  the  light  and  riot. 

>  passed.     Tiu  V  .  whom  you  pro. 

to  despise   so  much,  came    to  our  assistance  ju>i  1:1   :ime,  and  put  the 
•  :»es  to  flight." 

•  and  put  her  hands  in  mine,  and  then  askorl,  — 

'--.I  if  you  and  your  friend  had   not  defended  tha 
tore  they  cam* 

B  could,  dear  lady,  until 
t  up  her  lips  and  kissed  me,  so  great  \- 
i-r  t.i  lie  down  ami 
Then  I  left  her,  and  joined  Lewey,  who,  with  the  a 

:  the  Ixxlies  of  the  dead. 

•«ked    villain   vill   nebber  harm  us  more/1  he  said,  ns  he  s 
nr»  '!,.    'iik  o  Snnchos,  a  ; 

me. 
ed  the  lx)dy  as  he  spoke,  and  a  cl 

>re  open  the  breisl  of  the  d< 

[  belt  Jed  that  passed  completely  around  the  bo»! 

his  krn»>  tin-  la-!  severed  the  buckskin,  and  when  i:  was  loosened  a  number 
of  S  :bloons  dropped  to  the  floor. 

"Di*  vill  us  pay  for  dis  night's   vork,"  the  French  boy  re n. 


Lewey  and  I. 


counting  the  coin  we  found  that  there  were  just  one  hundred  gold  pieces, 
representing  a  value  of  about  seventeen  hundred  dollars.  This  was  a  great 
surprise. 

"  Him  heirs  vill  see  dis  not,"  Lewey  said.  "  Ve  vill  keep  it  to  remember 
de  dead,"  and  then  we  put  the  money  out  of  sight,  thrust  the  bodies  of  the 
peons  and  Mexicans  into  the  patio,  rigged  up  the  broken  door,  spread  our 
blankets,  and  lay  clown  for  a  little  rest  befort  daylight,  as  the  town  was  now 
quiet,  and  the  sailors  and  marines  had  full  possession  of  the  place,  the 
peons  and  ladrones  having  fled  to  the  mountains,  following  in  the  wake  of 
the  army. 

It  was  not  a  refreshing  slumber  that  we  courted,  but  we  did  get  a  few 
winks  of  sleep  before  sunrise.  When  we  arose  and  looked  out  on  the 
plaza  we  saw  the  sailors  and  marines  lying  down  on  blankets,  and  sentinels 
pacing  back  and  forth,  and  a  boat-gun  in  the  centre  of  the  parade,  all  ready 
for  execution,  while  on  the  veranda  of  his  house  sat  Mr.  Larkin,  looking 
across  the  bay  at  the  frigates  Cumberland  and  Independence,  the  latter 
.jring  ihe  night,  and  at  the  peaks  of  both  ships  floated  the 
American  flags,  and  at  the  main  of  the  first-named  vessel  was  the  broad 
pennant  of  a  commodore. 

I  fancied  that  I  could  hear  the  American  consul,  as  he  welcomed  the 
sight  so  dear  to  his  heart,  hum  a  light  and  agreeable  song,  and  thank  God 
that  the  days  of  anxiety  were  passed,  never  to  return  as  far  as  Monterey 
was  concerned. 

We  hunted  up  several  peons,  and  compelled  them  to  remove  and  bury 
the  dead,  then  found  one  of  Donna  Costello's  cooks,  and  made  him  prepare 
breakfast,  the  nest  that  could  be  obtained,  and  when  all  was  ready  I  wont  in 
search  of  my  midshipman  friend,  and  invited  him  and  several  officers  to 
come  to  the  house,  and  satisfy  their  hunger  and  thirst  with  an  olia  and  a  cup 
;ee.  Very  glad  were  they  to  accept  the  offer,  but  Donna  Costello 
not  meet  them,  as  she  was  too  patriotic  to  break  bread  with  the  ene 
mies  of  her  country,  even  if  they  had  saved  her  life  the  night  before.  Sl.c 
was  a  true  descendant  of  the  Spanish  race,  and  could  neither  forgive  nor 
forget  when  all  d  as  passed. 

The  naval  offr.-rrs  were  very  polite,  and  made  no  unpleasant  remarks 
about  the  1  -nee.  They  asked  us  to  give  their  regards,  and  say 

how  pleased  they  should  have  b-.'en  to  meet  so  beautiful  a  woman,  and 
treated  Lewey  an  1  myself  as  equals,  for  my  friend  Bob,  the  middy,  had  en- 
lightened  his  messmates  as  to  the  French  lad's  position,  and  my  own,  and 
they  looked  upon  us  as  two  cracked-brained  young  men,  \\ho  were  seeing 


Lfwey  and  / 


!ing    adventures     which    others    more    sensible    would    have 
avoided. 

The  town  was  now  quiet  enough.     A  guard  was  placed  near  the  residence 
of  the  American  consul,  but  no  further  disturbance  wa-.  anticipated,  a: 

o'clock  the  sailors  and  marines  were  withdrawn  fro::  \  re 

turned  to  the  Cumberland,  and  from  the  quarter-deck  of  the  frigate  was 
heard  the  sound  of  martial  music,  and  the  stirring  notes  of  the  "  Star  Span 
gled  Banner,"  attracting  hundreds  of  people  to  the  beach  and  custom  house. 
But  the  better  class  of  Mexicans  did  not  show  themselves,  and  the  pretty 
senoritas  kept  within  doors,  and  seemed  to  care  nothing  for  the  band  or  the 
officers. 

During  the  day  Senora  Costello  received  notes  from  her  brother  and  Kus- 
band.     They  had  heard  of  the  tumult  in  the  town  the  night  before,  and  con- 
ed  the  place  no  longer  safe  for  a  young,  unprotected  woman.    They 
-ed  her  to  join  them  at  or  near  the  Mission  Curmel  as  soon  as  possible, 
and  our  friend  the  colonel  made  a  personal  request  that  Lewey  and  I  would 
charge  of  her,  and  see  that  she  reached  the  lines  of  the  Mexican  army 
ifcty.     We  could  not  refuse  compliance  with   such  a  delicate  demand, 
••d   the  day  in  getting  ready  for  the   journey.      We    hunted   all 
through    the  town  for  a  carriage,  but   not  one  was  to  be  obtained.     The 
>een  taken  by  Senora   Castro  the  night  before,  when  her  hus 
band  made  his  escape,  and  was  miles  away,  so  the  only  thing  we  could  sug- 
to  place  the  lady  on  horseback,  and  thus  travel  to  the  mountains, 
for  one  so  gentle  could  not  walk  over  the  rough  roads  with   a  her 

: 

Our  sweet  friend  did  not  object  to  the  arrangement,  but  as  there  w 
le  in  the  country  it  was  a  little  doubtful  how 
is  the  lady  declined  to  adopt   m.. 
•is*.-.      We   t.ilked  the  whole  : 
.  saddle,  broad  and  strong,   which   Mr.   LarlJu   . 

he  learned  our  purpose.     We  covered  it  with   som-. 
.i  stirrup  for  the  lady's  foot,  found  a  br  service* 

:ap  on   the  forward  part  of  the 
Jit  the  thing  would  answer  the  purpose  very  we! 
our  work  to  Senora   Coatello  she   was  s<> 

•  t  that  she  ha- 1  no  \\\ 
cending  or  descending  the  mountains. 

Then   we   hun: 
that  would  not  be  likely  to  play  any  unruly  yranks,  and  c  ,!a 


Lcwey  and  /. 


without  a  bray  of  discontent.  As  we  did  not  know  who  owned  the  borrico 
we  tonriscaied  him  in  the  name  of  the  government,  ana  were  never  prose 
cuted  for  mule  stealing,  as  General  Castro  and  Colonel  Fernando  gave  us 
imme-.ILue  absolution,  as  soon  as  they  learned  ail  the  circumstances  of  the 
ared  we  looked  after  our  horses  the  night  before  we  were 
to  start,  and  at  sundown  wandered  to  the  bL-ach,  sat  on  the  rocks  near  the 
custom  house,  heard  the  bands  on  the  frigates  play  national  airs  until  nine 
\  listened  to  the  music  stealing  across  the  waters  of  the 
bay,  a  feeling  of  homesickness  came  over  me,  which  my  friend  was  not 
slow  to  perceive,  for  he  said, — 

"  Come,  let  us  back  go,  and  sleep  good  for  de  night.  All  de  best  fun  of 
our  lives' is  soon  afore  us  to  be.  Ve  skall  see  Anita  and  Engrac5a,and  tell 
dem  vot  ve  has  passed  through  for  dere  sakes,  and  dey  vill  pity  us  and  love 

-  I)  *  jrou  know,  Lewey,"  I  cried,  as  we  rose  to  go,  "  I  begin  to  think  that 
fate  is  a-uinst  us,  and  that  we  shall  never  marry  those  half-breed  Mexican 


'•  Darn    if    I   care  it   ve  don't/'  the  fickle-minded  French  lad  replied.     "  I 
i  to  dir:k  dat  dey  is  not  our  equals  in  de  life." 

you    would    break    your   pljdged   word?"    I    demanded,    quite 

*>te i ; 

u  Vv  nor  ?     Dey  vr.uM  do  dame  dings  us  for." 

:-."  I  answered.     "They  love  us  too  well  for  that.     They  wouM  re 
main  true  for  years  for  our  sakes." 

"  How  little  kno'.v  you  vomen  about,"  Lewey  said.  "  Dey  thro  A-  ober  us 
for  belter  and  richer  men  in  von  minute  and  a  half.  Do  dink  you,  mon 
ami,  d  it  ve  has  much  moneys  now.  Ve  has  two  doiisand  dollars,  all  ii. 

a-1  for  two  young  men  to  life  com  nth.     Me- 

.,f   vives  anyvay?     Ve  is  free  now,  an- 

,  ve  vants  to,  and  vot  mon  d.. 

:    will  oo  to  the  girls,  and  tell  them  that  you  have  changed 
?  "   1  inquired. 

.  I  don't  knov  vot  I  viil   do,     D.irc  is  tlm*  cnou-h  for  all  dat  ven  ve 
con,  let  us  horror.     Alons,  ve  has  a  b;- future  afore 

us,"    ai.d    just   then    we    came    across    Captain    Cooper,    of    the    schooner 

rnia. 

•   I  •  :red  your  fl  "I  re- 

m.irf- 

"The  odds  were  too  great  again*!  !he  reply,  with   a  vicious  bite 


and  /. 


f  his  maimed  hand.     "  Man  to  man  we  could  have  licked  them,  but  the 
uns  did  the  business.     However,  the  vessel  is  private  property.      I  se 
er  several  days  since  for  debu     She  will  be  restored  to  me,  1    think,"  ar.d 
he  was,  by  the  commodore's  oni 

>.ilt  passed  on,  grumbling,  and  we  returned  home,  ar 

had  sheltered  us  for  so  many  v, 

•ussed  some  very  happy  hours,  and  many  anxious  ones. 
\Ve  wc.e  u\,  :'::3'i»l  and  early,  got  UK  r  Senora    Costello  and    i 

for  ourselves,  packed  what  clothes  the 

ut  o  hot 

un,  fastened  \i[)  the  house  by  the  aid  of   hammers     and  nails,  and  at  nine 

-•:'<-•   '"•a!;.  Med     out  across   t! 

assed  i  he  ho.  ;  American  consul,  where    Mr.  Laikin  was   seated  on 

and  at  the   two   li 
the  old  gentleman 
think  of  - 

tell,  sir.     We  do  not     know  where  v,  >,  or 

what  we  n 

•    ;  ins  o.?e  you  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  your  heroic  services  the 

;ht.     1  luve  sent  a  note  to    General   Castro,    and  detailed  them 
mong  other  tilings.     The  American  governmen:  indebted  ! 

will  be  light." 

>:\  the  strength  of   it,  I  wish   there    would  be  D 

.i1  <r  else    the  government  should* 

tweir  ;>ie*  of  this  book,  |  them,  as  a  slig' 

'.t'ilorni.i. 

were  ab.-ut  to  m 

at  a  see  the   t.  '    a  straw 

som!>rero  on  :th  a  child    in   her  arms.     It 

wa»  a  wonderful  spectacle,  and  caused  Senor.i  Costello  to  bli 
w.ir<i 

moment,  boys.'-  ...  !.  and  we  held  up  to  hear  his 

**  D  month  it  is  ?  " 

1  the  run  of  such  thl»g«." 
o  seventh  day  of  J  ,  (or  it  wttl  live  iu  Li»iory 

"  Way  so,  sir  ?  " 


Lewey  and  /. 


in  a  fe\v  hours  Commodore  Sloat  will  hoist  the  America:, 
near  the  custom  houso,  and  take  formal  possession  of  California,  and  afier 
the  flag  is  raised  t'  i  lost  forever  to  .Mexico.     The  stars  and  stripes 

will  not  be  succeed  .  i  live  long  enough  you  may 

see  this   great  ten:  iag  with  life  and  industry,  with  we  ilth  and  con 

tentment,  prosperity  and  happiness,  and  so  it  will  grow  until  people  wonder 
at  the  enterprise  and  intelligence  of  its  inhabitants,  and  from  all  parts  of  the 
world  will  commerce  come  to  us,  our  harbors  teem  with  life,  and  grain 
grow  on  every  hill  and  in  all  the  rich  valleys.  Then  will  California  be 
blessed,  and  may  I  live  long  enough  to  see  it." 

"  He  is  crazy,''  muttered  Lewey,  as  TVC  resumed  our  way,  but  I  thought 
there  was  method  in  his  madness,  and  his  prophecy  came  true  sooner  than 
he  anticipated,  but  he  lived  long  enough  to  realize  some  of  his  predictions, 
if  not  all,  for  he  did  not  dream  of  the  great  railroad  and  steamship  lines  in 
those  days,  or  the  overland  cars,  and  immense  hotels,  where  all  was  once 
wild  and  desolate. 

As  we  turned  from  the  plaza,  and  struck  the  trail  that  led  to  the  Mission 
Carmel,  I  glanced  back  and  saw  the  old  gentleman  still  on  his  veranda, 
looking  across  the  bay  and  dreaming  of  the  prosperous  days  to  come.  I 
never  saw  him  a^ain,  but  if  his  re  r.ains  are  buried  near  Monterey  I  hope  to 
have  the  melancholy  satisfaction  of  j. lacing  a  garland  of  flowers  on  his 
tomb  some  day  in  the  near  future. 

'•\Vhat  was  he  talking  about?"  asked  Senora  Costello,  as  we  left  the 
village,  much  to  the  delight  of  Jack,  who  commenced  sniffing  game  in  every 
bush,  and  was  glac/  to  be  once  more  in  the  woods  and  among  the 

"  Of  the  future  of  California,  lady,"  I  answ 

"There  's  n-i  future  for  the  State,"  she  said,  as  a  tear  dropped  from  her 

;t  eyes.     "  Under  the  rule  of  Americans  life  will  not  be  worth  much  to 

the   Mexican   people,"  and   she  expressed   the  sentiments  of  all  the  better 

class  of  her  race,  and  perhaps  even  years  have  not  removed  the  impression 

that  the  Yankees  are  intruders  upon  the  soil. 

As  we  gained  the  elevation  near  where  now  stands  the  Hot  1  del  Monte, 
we  '  ;-i  fired  from  one  of  the  frigates.  We  checked  our  animals, 

and  '.  r  the  village  at  our  feet.  There  were  barges  bein^  rowed  to 

the  shore,  and  in  the  boats  :  uniforms  and  many  men.  \Ye 

•'people  assenr  "  •  vom  horse,  a  '  '  ^iie 

national  airs,  the  American  fl  !  hi^h  above  the  heads  of  the 

spectators,  and  then  the  war-ships  thundered  forth  a  salute,  and  the  State 


Lewey  and  I.  355 


of  Califo:  .nexed  to  the  Union  in  deed  if  not  in  act,  for  our  people 

had  been  :i  too  ma:.  up    the    prize  af- 

.  .iiid  it  is  worth  some  of  the 
can  war,  for  its  future  will  U  ;  •  -n   \\cnderful. 

"  I  v...:  bed  the  scene, 

.'  remarked  with  a  smile. 

vit  I  do  n  .-j  response,  ami   she    extended  her  hana, 

»nd  I  pressed  it  reverentially  to  my  lips. 

. 

terey  no  more,  although  ;    from  the  place   quite   often    \\hile  \\e  re 

mained  on  the  coast. 

pushed  our  way  over  the  trail,  the  sun   shining  hot     upon    rur  heads, 
and  before  we  miles  from  the  vil!..  Med  upon  some  cut! 

pickets,  who  cl  -i\  rode  forward   to  ask    tin- 

knew  who  we  were.  not  express  si:- 

for  they  expected  their  colon  t  remain    in    Monterey,  and 

run  the  risk  of  i)-.-i.',^  insulted  by  t  -iid    not    tl  irk  tl  at 

•  c  protection  of  American    officers    than   the   : 
•f  the  lower  order. 

\Vo  were  hurried  forward  to  headquarters,  and  then      cci .<  the 

presence  of  General  Castro,  while  Scnora    Costello  was  taken 
by  her   husband  and   brother,  and    made  .ible    in    U  :   the 

latter. 

The  Mexican  governor  was  anxious  to  learn  it 

It  when   I  t)-nt  the 

ould  interfere  with  his  ;  ' 

erey,  and  determined  to  tu:  to  the    southern  jarttf  the 

is  in   no  hast-  i  d  to 

k  hi.n,  an  '  '    .car  the  Mission  for  several  rays,  and 

In  the  me.intinv  O-!  ,:lel  Fernando  an  1  the  1i 

ible  servi  -  were  thank  <:  icere   manner.      T 

gave  us  qu  • 

*it:>  :ies  and 

;  !  for  the  people,  !>•:  :  •,  —could   steal*all    ve  de- 

:  of  other  men's  property,  and  no  one  •'  •  we    wfi- 

>re  clothed  with   full  authority  to   take  horses  and  cattle 
needed- 


Lewey  and  /. 


Oi  >rm  a  lor 

when  we    were  encamped  n  iine*  Kiv 

while  we  were  riding  about  l!.  .  we  noticed  a  commotion  in  a  clump 

of  trees  on  the  banks  of  the  stream,  mid  heard  loud  curses  in  the  English 
tongue,  and  hearty  carambas  in  Spanish.  When  we  rode  up  to  the  place 
we  were  much  surprised  to  find  our  former  supercargo,  Mr.  H.  F.  Teschem- 
acher,  and  Messrs.  William  Wolfskill  and  William  Howard,  gentlemen  well 
known  on  the  coast,  engaged  in  an  angry  and  excitiii.:  ':h  some 

of  our  cavalrymen,  the  latter   having   seized  the  former's  horses,  and  were 
about  to  lead  tiiem  oil,  all  anim.iis  being  confiscated  by  the  order  of  Gener 
al  Castro.     We  soon  put  a  stop  to  the  hot  words,  and  the  Mexicans 
to  release  the  animals  and  restore  them  to  their  owners.     Very  reluctantly 
they  obeyed,  and  then  we  escorted  the  gentlemen  past  the  camp  by  a  blind 
trail,  and  saw  them  safely  on  their  way  to  Monterey.     They  thanked  us  for 
the  service  rendered,  but  we  saw  them  no  more  while  in   the  country.     I 
doubt  Mr.  Teschemacher  will  remember  the  incident    even  at  this  late  day, 
the  only  witness  I  have  to  prove  my  claim  fora  pension  from  both  counts 
I  hope  he  will  live  until  I  get  it,  and  if  he  does  the  oldest  man  spoken  of  in 
the   liible  will  be  a  mere    infant  in  arms  in  comparison  to  t; 
friend  when  he  dies. 

We  moved  in  short  marches  to  Santa    Hail  ara.     Xo  one  was  in  a  hi;' 
for  there   was    nothing  to  be  gained  by  haste. 

Luis  Obispo  that  so  me  kind  of  a   Bear  Party,  composed  rs,  had 

met  near  San    Francisco,    and  elected  Captain   Fr  the 

State,  but    Castro  laughed  at  the  idea,  and  so  did  all  tL.  ,d  it 

was  soon  forgotten. 

.cry  day  that  we  traveled  I  showed  Senora  Costello  some  polite  atten 
tion,  and  looked   after  ail  her  wants.     She  found   the  mule  and  saddi- 
much  more  comfortable  than  a    volante  or  ox-cart  that  she  clung  to  the  < 
veyance  until  Santa  Barbara   was  reached,  where  she  ru;  the 

war. 

We  passed  the  ranches  we  had  stopped  at  on  our  way  to  M  "id 

to  the  indignation  of  the  rancheros  levied  on  their  stock   : 
When  at  San  Luis  Obispo  we  once  nv 

the  Cave,  and  had  a  most  gl-  :  •  to 

the  want  '  1  facilities.     We  went  to  the  hou  > 

the  fandango  during  our  sailor  boys1  career,  and  laughed  as  we   tho-:.  ht  >•( 
i  we  had  enjoyed  ti 

On  the  eighth  day  after  leaving  Monterey  we  readied  Santa  Barbara,  and 


the  ;  :.LV!  out  a;  reception.     As  we  rode  by  the  house 

^hter  01.  .     .  wcl- 

t  iu  the  rear  <  :  Fernan- 

ad  at  the  head  of  the  column,  I  did  not  deem  it  «•  e  to  take 

som  ue  enthusiasm  to  myself,  and  when  the  handsome  young  lady 

smiled  and  bowed  to  us  I  raised  my  hat,  and  did  all  that  I  co  ract 

and  she  seemed  amused  at  my  persistei; 
:  face,  and  Lewey  growled  out,  — 

"  I  s'pose  you  s  for  you,  but  it  is  n't.     She  is  lookin'  ri-ht  at  me 

all  i!e  Ifra  i  was  no  such  thing,  but  my  French  friend 

ealous  of  the  lady  for  some  reason  or  other,  fearing  per' 
:  have  the  first  place  in  my  mind  instead  of  him- 
ere  were  no  ships-of-war  in  the  harbor,  and  none  had  made  their  ap- 

s  proposed  to  remain  several 

rruit  the  men,  and  see  what  w.i  1)6  done,  and  where  to  go  in 

was  called  for.     We  saw  Mr.  Robinson,  and  s;  him 

and  very  much  astonished  he  Was  at  the  impor 

;  a  time,  for  Senora  Costello  did  not  hesitate  to 
ion  as  to  our  conduct,  and  praise  us  more  than  we  deserved. 
•TV  particular  in  his  commendations,  and  thus,  ir  the 
se  of  a  day  or  two,  I  was  formally  presented   to  the   Sen* 

never   knew  me  as  the  sailor  boy  who  had  admired  her  so  much 

connected  with  the  Admittance,  and  in  fact  she  acted  just  as 

he  had  never  seen  my  face  before,  which  was  a  great  triumph  for 

said,  — 

ells  you  so.     No  voman  look  at  you  twice  ven  I  is  n 
i.l  not  mean  to  be  personal,  for  he  was  as  proud   of  my  succes 
of  his,  only  he  was  a  little  jealous  that  I  would  like  some  one  he  disap 
proved  of. 

The  third  day  after  our  .  had  found 

is,  we  thought  it  about  time  to  visit  Ranch-  and 

jjirls  we  had  left  under  such  di*  ccs. 

not  exchange  a  word  with  each  other  about  ma; :  :  the 

topic  by  mutual  consent,  for  somehovr,  as  we  mixed  with  the  people,  and 

«1  gentlem  fleet 

:o  do  before  it  was  too  late. 

one  mor;  should  like  leave  of  absence  for  a 

.ink  \ou  can  run  the  regiment  without  ui," 
He  smiled  as  ht  said,  — 


3$$  Lewey  and  /. 


"You  are  going  to  Ranche  Refugio  to  see  the  girls  ?  " 

"  Yes,  colonel,  such  is  our  intention." 

"  You  will  not  obtain  leave  of  absence  from  me  unless  you  promise  one 
thing,"  our  superior  said. 

"Oh,  we  agree  to  it,"  Lewey  remarked,  thinking  that  it  was  some  trifling 
request. 

i  y  well.  Then  promise  me  you  will  not  marry  those  half-breed  girls 
until  you  have  thought  the  matter  all  over,  and  consulted  my  sister  and 
myself." 

'•  We  promise,"  Lewey  cried,  with  remarkable    promptness,  and  then  we 
were  told  to  take  our  rides  and  go,   but  to  be  very  particular  to  avoid  all 
bands  of  wandering  ladrones,  as  some  of  them    were  known  to  be  in  the 
hborhood,  and  might  attempt  to  injure  us. 

We  directed  our  peon  servant  to  prepare  our  horses,  and  about  nine 
o'clock,  during  one  of  the  most  beautiful  days  of  July,  rode  down  to  the 
beach,  saw  \he  old  familiar  surf,  and  then  shaped  our  course  for  the  Ranche, 
from  \\hich  we  were  forcibly  taken  only  a  few  months  before.  Somehow 
we  were  not  so  eager  to  reach  the  place  as  lovers  usually  are,  and  we  loi 
tered  on  the  trail,  to  the  great  delight  of  Jack,  so  that  it  was  near  twelve 
o'clock  when  we  stopped  at  the  residence  of  the  two  pretty  sisters,  and 
begged  for  a  cup  of  water.  They  did  not  recognize  the  smartly-dressed 
boys  as  their  old  friends,  and  we  had  to  explain  matters  before  we  could 
make  them  comprehend  who  we  were,  and  what  fortunes  we  had  met  with 
since  we  saw  them  last.  We  claimed  to  be  officers  in  the  army,  and  \\ 
in  fact,  but  the  positions  were  merely  honorary,  and  given  just  to  afford  us 
protection  while  in  the  country. 

We  were  invited  ro  remain  and  dine,  but  pleaded  want  of  time,  Icit  the 
young  ladies,  and  went  toward  the  residence  of  Anita  and  Engracia.  It 
would  be  unjust  to  say  that  we  were  not  a  little  agitated  as  we  drew  near 
the  poor  adobe  house  we  had  visited  so  many  times.  We  smiled  as  we 
thought  of  our  previous  reception  by  the  mother  of  the  girls,  when  we  were 
eager  for  an  interview,  and  how  she  had  abused  us  for  calling.  We  won 
dered  if  such  a  torrent  of  words  would  again  fall  upon  our  ears,  and  the 
question  appeared  to  be  promptly  answered,  for  before  a  scant  fire,  but  un 
der  the  hot  sun,  sat  the  very  old  unman  we  had  been  thinking  of,  the  moth 
er  of  Anita  and  Engracia,  and  she  was  engaged  in  preparing  an  olia  for  her 
midday  meal. 

The  woman  looked  up  as  we  checked  our  horses,  and  seeing  two  caballe- 
ros  before  her  uttered  some  rude  worda^si  jwlcome.  but  we  declined  to  dis- 


Lewty  and  I.  359 

mount  until  we  had  some  assurances  as  to  the  whereabouts  of  the  girls,  and 

acific  disposition  of  the  mother. 
u  Where  arc   )our  daughters,  senora?"  asked  Lewey,  in  a  bland  and 

h  their  h  jsbands  to  be  sure,"  was  the  blunt  reply,  and  at  the  words 

aiions  of  surprUe,  and  put  our  hands  to  our  heads 

to  i  :o  collect  our  scar..  .0    shock   was  a  great 

i,    I  'm  M.mketl,"  the  French  lad  said,   in  a  dazed  sort  of  manner, 
then  he  looked  at  me,  and  a  sickly  smile  passed  over  his  face,  as  he  die] 
not  know  \\luit  to  say  n 

4-  This  is  \urnan's  constancy,"  I  moaned,  and  yet  to  tell  the  truth  neither 

lelt  like  raving  wildly  over  the  matter. 

"  How  long  have  the  girls  been  married  ?  "  Lewey  asked,  after  a  moment's 
pause. 

"  Just  a  month,"  was  the  prompt  answer. 

"  And  whom  did  they  marry  ?  "   I  managed  to  inquire. 

•.anio  and  Carlos  Sanchos,"  was  i.  ind  then   we  were  indig 

nant,   for  our  fiancdes   had    united    their   fortunes   to    the    men  who 

•cuted  us  during  our  residence  in  Cii  1  completed  our  humili 

ation  by  taking  as  husbands  two  of  the  worst  scamps  in  the  count: 

•  >  us,  r.iul  Lewey  ground  his  teeth  together  as  he  tho 

of  the  disgrace  of  being  superseded  by  a  couple  of  dark-faced,  elderly  ruf 
fians,  old  enough  to  be  tS>  fathers  of  their  v. 

c  you  sure  the  girls  are  married  ?  "  I  ventured  to  inquire. 

like?"  the  woman  asked,  as  she   dropped  the 

;e  of   her  chemise,  and  showed  some  terrible  looki:  >  on   he/ 

poor  oM   wrinkled   bosom.     "And   wli.it   do   you  call    this?"  bending  her 

.and  revealing  a  cut  an   inch  and  a  half  long  on  th 
her  neck,  looking  angry  and  swollen. 

,eems  as  though  some  one  had  ill-treat 

Lewey  said  in  a  tone  of  pity,  all  his  former  resentment  gone  at  the  sig: 
the  injuries. 

"  It  looks  as  though  my  daughters  were  married,  does  it  not?"  the  wo 
man  asked  in  a  sai  1'hese  blown  «ere  inflict- 


e  saints  preserve  me,"  muttered   Lewey,   "but  the  Sanchos 
more  courage  than  I  supposed.     How  did  they  dare  to  altack  her  in  such  a 
reckless  manner?  " 


Lew.y  and  I. 


' 

\  '.    then    tli.  _d  up,  bru 

.  and  looked  at  us. 

ve  me,  but  are   you  the  two   nice  young  gringos  who 
wanted  to  marry  the  girls  sume  time  last  spring?  " 
'•  We  are  the  same  I  our  prompt  reply. 

..,1  I  spoke  a  little  hastily,  did  I  not?" 

11,    we    should    think    you    did.     You    called    us    hard    nam 
prof1; 

"Ah.  how  sorry  I  am  that  I  wronged  you.     Had  you   married  my  daugh 
ters  I  should  have  ruled  your  households.     Now,  curses  on  the  ladrones, 
uie  me,  and  pound    me  it   Uie  fxxl  is  not  ready.     How  little  did  I 
know  what  If.      I  h.id  better  have  let  the  soui- 

of  the;  .  alter  the  bodies,     liut  come  in  the  house,  and  I 

u  a  1  about  it.'' 
\Ve  -  le  building,  and  prepared  to  listen  to  the  old 

;Vct  that  D>)-i  Antonio  Sanchos  had  visited  her  one  i! 
beture  we  had  put  in  an  a  •.  or  while  we  were  j 

—  an  i  made  such  preposterous  st.Uenu 
..nil   ludrones,  that  the   woman  got   frightened, 
i.iytd    upon  the  feelings  of  the  j  riest,  and  he  put  a  I 

match,  not  knowing  us  or  our  condition,  and  it  was  not  until  the  priest  of 
Santa  Cruz  wrote  to  the  padre  of  Ranche  i 

plained.     It  was  then  too  late.     The  girls  h.k  married  through  the 

their  mother  and  father  confessor,  under  the  supposition  th.it  the 
ites  for  matrimony  had  plenty  of  money,  and  a  huh  official  position, 
when,  in  fact,  they   were  outlaws,  and   alter  being  <;i 

-ad  of  going  to  San   Francisco,  hurried  to  the  Ranche 
:ther  injuring  us  by  taki  <1  wives. 

•.is   be  praised,  it  am  all    for   de  best,"   muttered    Lewcy  as  the 
story  was  fin islr  .  <>rk  in  dc  m<>>t  myst-jrio  is   vay.  as  M>me  von 

has  said.  I  know  not  von.  Ve  has  preserved  de  honor  of  our  names,  and 
it  am  all  light,"  and  just  as  he  spoke  Anita  and  Kngracia  entered  the  room 
to  see  who  had  arrived. 

They    uttered    wild    shrieks    when   they  saw  us,   and   threw   up   their 
hands. 

"  Do  not  come  near  us.     Keep  at  a  distance,  for  we  dare  not  speak  or 
touch  you,"  they  cried,  and  then,  woman-like,  rushed   toward  us,  put  their 
ur  necks,  and  kissed  us  as  in  days  of  old. 


Lrwey  and  I. 


11  Oh,  why  did  you  come  here  when  you  know  that  we  are  manier!? 
Leave  us  at  once  before  our  husbands  find  you  in  the  house,  and  kill  vou, 
as  they  will  do,  :!s  exclaimed. 

We  were  not  so  much  afraid  of  the  husbands  as  the  girls  seemed  to 
think,  although  we  did  put  our  old  loves  aside,  and  unwound  their  aims 
from  our  necks. 

i  have  been  untrue  to  us,"  we  said,  "  but  we  forgive  you.     Your  pun 
ishment  will  be  great.     You  had   an  opportunity  to  marry  two  of  the  ;; 
men  \\\  California.     That  chance  you  have  thrown  .. 

in  a  cool  and  manner.     You  can  recall  it  to  mind  \sben  you  hear 

of  our  lame  in  years  to  come." 

i    not    modest,    but    we    wanted    a    slight    revenge    for    our 
humiliation. 

The  Iris,  or  wives,  were  awe  stricken  at  our  words.     We  had  im- 

pres-  their  minds  that  we  were  a  little  above  their  grade  in  life,  and 

..in  to  submit  to  all  sorts  of  indignities  for  the 
it  even  while  we  wer£  thus  c;  re  heard  the  sound 

.1   the  next  moment    Antonio  and  Carlos  Sanchos  1 
the  room,  and  the  first  thin^  the  former  did  was  to  knock  down  the  old 
an,  as  a  slight  relief  for  his  over-charged  feelings,  and  when  she  was 
^  on  the  floor  the  curses  she  uttered  against  her  amiable  son-ir. 
the  most  wonderful  specimens  of  the  Spanish  tongue  that  it  was  ever  my 

rtune  to  hear. 

"  What  are  you  doing  with  our  wives  ?  "  the  outlaws  asked,  as  they  laid 
.ands  on  their  knives,  and  drew  them. 

ire   old  friends  of  ours,"  the  ladies  said  in  a  pleading  tone. 
>ve  only  called  for  a  visit,  and  will  soon  go." 
••  We  spoke  to  the  ladrones,  the  mean  gringos,"  was  the  reply.     "  Let 

ver  to  make  to  your  insolent  demands,"  Lewey  cried. 
"  We  know  both  of  you  scoundrels.  There  is  a  price  set  on  your  heads,  so 
ocware  tore.  If  the  soldiers  get  on  your  trail  there  will  be  blood 

spilK-d.  and  you  the  vie:. 

"  We  will  commence  right  here  if  there  is  blood  to  be  shed,"  the  men  an- 
swered,  and  raised  their  knives  to  throw  them  at  us.  but  the  girls  covered 
our  bodies  with  their  o-vn.  and  when  the  weapons  whizzed  through  the  air 
we  did  n.)t  have  a  cliaiic:  to  draw  our  pistols,  or  use  our  rifle^  in  self- 
defence,  or  even  push  the  women  aside,  and  save  them  at  the  expense  of 
our  own  lives.  Anita  and  Engracia  clung  to  us,  and  when  the  knives  sped 


362  ~  Lewey  and  L 


on  their  way  they  struck  the  girls  near  their  shoulder-blades,  the  steel 
penetrating  to  the  lungs,  and  the  poor  things  fell  to  the  floor  of  the  cabin, 
the  blood  ilowing  in  torrents  from  their  \vounds. 

"  Dogs  of  Mexicans,  you  have  murdered  your  wives,"  we  shouted,  while 
the  old  woman  made  the  house  ring  with  her  yells  of  horror  and  anguish  at 
the  scene  before  her. 

The  brutes  appeared  dazed  at  the  sight  of  the  innocent  blood  that  met 
their  view.  They  made  a  rush  toward  us,  but  we  struck  them  on  the  sides 
of  their  heads  with  the  barrels  of  our  pistols,  and  down  they  tumbled,  and 
\-e  were  about  to  follow  up  the  victory  in  a  sure  manner,  we  heard  the 
loud  blast  of  a  trumpet,  and  stayed  our  hands,  and  the  shots  that  would 
have  ended  the  career  of  two  noted  villains  were  not  fired,  for  in  the  door 
way  we  saw  the  form  of  Colonel  Fernando,  and  back  of  him  six  of  his 
men. 

.at  is  the  trouble  here?"  asked  the  young  officer.  "  Two  women 
bleeding  to  death,  and  the  Sanchos  brothers  on  the  ground  with  broken 
heads,  and  my  friends  uninjured.  Well,  this  is  a  lucky  day  even  if  it  is 
Friday.  The  saints  be  praised,  I  am  Justin  time  to  take  an  active  part  in 
this  tragedy.  Stop  your  howling,  old  woman.  It  will  not  prevent  the  flow 
of  blood.  Send  the  sergeant  here.  He  knows  something  of  knife  wounds, 
for  he  has  hacked  people  and  been  hacked  more  times  than  he  has  years 
over  his  head.  Let  him  look  at  the  girls'  injuries.  Secure  those  ladrones, 
and  take  them  outside.  They  have  just  fifteen  minutes  to  live,  so  one  of 
had  better  go  for  the  priest.  The  girls  will  want  some  of  his  consola 
tion  before  a  great  while,  or  I  am  no  judge  of  the  near  approach  of  death." 

\Ve  oiiiM  not  realize  that  the  colonel  was  in  earnest,  but  some  of  the 

1  cavalry  commenced  binding  the  limbs  of  the  Sanchos  brothers  with  reatas, 

and  in  the  meantime  we  bent  over  the  bodies  of  the  dying  girls,  certain  that 

they  coukl  live  but  a  short  time,  as  a  change  had  already  taken  place  in 

their  faces,  the  sure  precursor  of  death. 

"  You  forgive  us  for  our  unfaithfulness?"  whispered  Anita.  "\\V  meant 
to  be  true  and  good,  but  were  pursuaded  to  marry  against  our  wishes.  \Ve 
thought  that  we  should  never  see  you  again.  Every  one  said  you  were  bad 
and  heretics.  Hut  it  won't  matter  in  the  next  world,  will  it,  what  religion 
We  shall  be  near  each  other  in  spite  ol"  ties  on  earih,  ana 
no  one  will  part  us.  It  is  better  as  it  is.  You  wouM  have  been  ashamed 
of  your  dan:  wife,  and  wished  her  dead,  or  mi^ht  have  left  her  to 

mourn  for  your  lost  love.  You  will  kiss  me,  and  say  that  you  foigive  mt  foi 
the  past,  and  if  you  live  long  think  of  the  many  pleasant  hours  we  had  te> 


Ltwcy  and  I. 


gether,  before  there  were  troubles  in  the  country,  and  men  did  not  persecute 


I  kissed  her  dark  face.     She   closed  her  eyes,  and  seemed  to  sail  down 

fast,  for  she  did  not  ugaiu  look  a*. 
grew  shorter   and  shorter,  and   then  a  shudder  passed   through  her  .-! 

i,  and  she  was  gone  to  the  great  unknown  world,  and  \vhcn  she  died  her 
sister's  spirit  also  fled  at  the  same  moment,  so  that  in  t! 

not  divided. 

We  covered  the  faces  of    the  dead,  and  went  out- 

ciossed  the  threshold  of  the  building  the  priest  \\as  just  cnier  min 

ister  the  last  rites  of  the  church.     He  went  to  the  bodies,  kv-  .  and 

.md  earnestly  for  the  repose  of  the  souls  of  UK  ,  rls, 

and  when  he  came  out  of  the  house   Colonel  Fernando  was  seated  on  a  log, 
smoking  cigarettes,  as  calm  as  the  summer  day  overhead. 

"  Holy  father,"  the  officer  said,  "administer  the  orient   to  those 

two  men.     As  soon  as  you  have  finished  they  di 
41  You  will  not  dare  to  commit  such  an  outrage,"  the 

had  no  trial,  and  are  not  yet  proved  gi: 

"  Do  your  duty,  holy  father.     In  ten  minutes  they  die,  law  or  r. 
the  stern  command. 

The  priest  bowed  his  head,  and  made  no  further  remonstrance.  lie  knew 
what  military  duties  were,  and  how  despotic  commanders  so;  :ted 

during  martial  law. 

aid   it   be  of  any  use  for  me  to  plead  for  the  ladrotu 
Lcwey. 

>t  the  slightest,"  and  the  colonel  lighted  a  fresh  cigarette, 
.we  no  intention  of  asking  for  the  lives  of  the 
said.     "  I  only  spoke  for  information,"  and  the  colonel 
out  volumes  of  smoke  through   his  nostrils,  and  playfully    '•.  in 

the  air  from  his  lips. 

The  padre  went  to  the  condemned  and  knelt  by  their 

;  on  the  ground  securely  bound,  the  hot  July  si.  upon 

their  dark,  swarthy  faces,  and  with  every  expression  of  terror  in  their  treach 
erous  eyes. 

"  Colonel,"  the  priest  said,  after  he  had  heard  the  last  confession  the  fel 
lows  were  ever  to  make,  "the  poor  men  have  a  favor  to  ask  of  you.  It  is 
not  a  great  one,  and  should  be  granted  it  seems  to  me." 

"  Name  it,"  and  the  young  officer   scanned  the  heavens  to  see  h 
the  sun   was,  and  to  judge  cf  the  time  ol  .  ^  ..  .uch  light  he  would 


ana  A 


-,—:c  to  get  back  to  Santa  Barbara.  He  was  the  most  unconcerned  person 
><.-:i t,  lor  Lewey  and  I  and  the  soldiers  were  more  agitated  than  he. 

"  These  men  who  are  about  to  die,"  the  priest  said,  "  desire  to  be  spared 
DO  that  they  can  have  time  to  attend  the  funerals  of  their  dear  departed 
.  whose  deaths  were  so  sudden  and  unexpected." 

"  Diablo,"  laughed  the  colonel,  **  but  I  must  tell  this  to  General  Castro 
when  I  see  hitn.  He  is  just  the  kind  of  man  to  enjoy  such  a  joke.  Here 
are  two  ladrones,  who  steal  away  these  gentlemen's  intended  wives  by 
falsehood  and  deception  (I  will  admit  that  I  am  glad  of  it),  and  at  last  mur 
der  them  in  cold  blood,  and  now  wish  to  attend  the  funeral  of  their  victims. 
Well,  this  is  a  good  specimen  of  impudence.  It  is  the  coolest  thing  I  ever 
heard  of.  Sergeant,  place  the  scoundrels  in  position  against  yonder  trees, 
and  give  a  volley  to  each.  I  have  no  more  time  to  waste  on  them." 

The  condemned  uttered  a  howl  of  terror,  and  the  cries  of  the  men,  th, 
wailing  of  the  mother  and  other  women,  were  enough  to  unnerve  us,  but  the 
cavalry  leader  did  not  lose  his  composure  for  a  moment.  He  smoked  ci- 
garettes  in  numberless  quantities,  and  paid  no  attention  to  the  shrieks  that 
were  going  on  around  him. 

The  fierce  little  sergean'.  pounced  upon  the  men,  as  though  he  rather 
liked  the  job  he  had  undertaken.  He  dragged'the  ladrones  to  the  trees  in 
dicated,  lashed  them  in  an  upright  position,  for  the  fellows  did  not  seem 
capable  of  standing  without  help,  so  weak  were  they  in  their  knees,  tore 
away  the  dark  shirts  and  jackets,  exposing  the  hairy  breasts,  then  stepped 
back  and  surveyed  his  work  with  great  satisfaction,  just  as  though  he  was 
looking  at  a  picture  he  much  admired,  yet  did  not  quite  approve  of  the 
shading. 

"Pull  his  head  up  a  little,"  the  petty  officer  said  to  one  of  his  subordU 
nates.  "  He  droops  somewhat,  and  I  fear  the  men's  aim  will  be  destroyed. 
Ah,  that  is  better.  Now  slue  him  around  so  that  he  will  show  a  fair  front. 
Punch  him  in  the  ribs  if  he  don't  move  fast  enough.  Well  that.  It  could 
not  be  better  fora  sharp  volley.  Don't  howl  that  way,  you  loco.  It  looks 
to  me  as  though  you  had  no  confidence  in  the  saints  or  a  blissful  hereafter. 
In  the  city  of  Mexico  I  have  seen  ten  men  shot  before  breakfast,  and  all  of 
them  put  together  did  not  make  as  much  of  a  row  as  you  are  doing.  Con 
found  you,  shut  up  that  groaning  and  lamenting.  It  is  enough  to  make  me 
sick.  You  don't  seem  to  appreciate  the  honor  of  being  shot  by  some  <>f  the 
best  cavalrymen  in  California.  What  do  you  say  ?  Tell  us  al!  to  go  to  the 
not  place.  Why,  you  ungrateful  scoundrels,  now  I  don't  care  if  my  men  do 
mangle  you.  Five  of  you  form  ia  JUft^ad  tako  the  fellow  oa  the  right,  and 


Ltwty  and  I. 


ii>e  one  on  the  left.     Now  then,  aie  you  prc'.ty  comfortable  ? 
fault  is  :• 

;tion,  although  I 

drea-  .   and  at  the  same  -  amused  at  the  i  and 

.sergeant,  who  seemed  to  be  enj-  \  the  ex- 

The  colonel  >ti!l  sat  on  a  stump,  smok 

1  ence  at  the  delay.     The  scene  reminded  me  of  the 
Miido  was  simply  a  captain,  and  hanged  a  man  on  the  route 
from  Monterey  for  attempted  murder. 

.el,"  said  the  fierce   little  sergeant,  turning  and 
mmander,  with  an  eager  look  on  his  face. 

-ution,r'  remarked  the  young  officer,  a  \  a 

fresh 

The  sergeant  threw  a  piece  of  blanket  over  the  condemned  men's  he., 
stepped  one  side,  removed  his  hat,  and  said,  — 

:iy  sombrero   fire,  and  don't  throw  away  a  .e  a 

grin. 

I  turned  my  head,  and  looked  at  the  priest,  who  \\a  pray- 

and  about  to  die. 
There    was  an  ,r   the  crack  cavalrymen  co 

.    regularity,  some   terrible  groats.  i  all  was  .v 

ycd  silently  for  the  dead,  and  the  enemies  of  the  d_ 
women  i..  :  tumbled  down  in  all  directions,  and  Jack,  our 

•  :i  his  haunches,  lifted  up  his  head,  and  howled  as  though  mourn 
.  ing  for  the  flight  of  two  evil  spirits  to  the  gates  of  eternity,  to  trouble  us  no 

.'.and  the  scene  to  the  last.     It  seemed  to  have  a  strange 

nation  u>r  him,  and  the  last  time  I  saw  him,  just  after  the  Fn  ,  he 

;  .umstances  of  the  military  execution  a1.  .^io,  and 

said  that  \\hilesome  communists  in  Paris  were  being  *hot.  ;ts  went 

back  to  his  ear  ind  strangely  enough  the  deaths  of  the  two  Mex- 

e  uppermost  in  hi*  mind,  for  some  of  the  victims  of  ) 
ors  :iy  as  Spaniards,  and  resembled  the  two  S .,  .roe 

.ind  vindictiveness  of  disposition. 

'  1)      '.  colonel,"  reported  the  little  black  sergeant  his 

hand,  as  though  he  had  done  a  good  thing,  a  >ud  of  it. 

1  bundle  them  in.  .     One  1. 

will  i  |  .  f.>r  botli.      Senorst  let  us  mount,  and  ride  down  to  p.* 

;  young  udies    who  av^Sfrftl  here.     Our  escort  can  join  us 


Lewey  and  /. 


I   am  tired  of  hearing  these  women  yell  and  scream  so  loud.''  ind 
the  colonel  motioned  to  his  orderly  to  bring  up  the  h.  : 

"Holy  father,"  I  said,  as  the  colonel  rode  away,  while  L  I    lin 

gered  behind  to  tike  .1  urexvell  look  at  the  faces  of  the  d.  "if  we 

bad  known  each  other  better  all  this  might  have  been  avoided,  and  tl 
men  would  now  be  alive  and  happy.'' 

-It  is   the  will  of  God,  my  son,  and  destined  to  happen.     We  i 
escape  the  fixed  rules  of  the  universe,  strive  as   we  may.     I   am   sorry,  my 
son,  for  the  past.     Let  us  be  more  wise  in  the  future.     I  wish  that  1  had 
known  you  better.     I  should  have  been  less  preju  hist  you,  1 

from  what  I  have  this  day  seen.     Take  my  blessing  and  go." 

He  raised  his  hands  over  us,  and  then  was  about  to  turn  away,  but  I  de 
tained  him  for  a  moment. 

"  Father/'  I  said,  "  the  mother  of  the  girls  is  poor,  is  she 

"  She  is  poverty  itself,  my  son." 

"  Then  take  these  two  golden  ounces,  see  that  the  women   are  decently 
interred,  pay  for  a  mass  for  the  repose  of  their  souls,  and  le    bal 

ance  of  the  money  to  the  parent.     If  you  will  do  this  we  shall  uoitgh 

we  ha  1  made  some  atonement  for  the  past." 

"  The  atonement  for  the  past  is  in  God's  own  hands,  my  son,  and  to  him 
must  all  application  for  pardon  be  made.     You  and  your  friend  should  pray 
for  forgiveness,  confess,  and  strive  to  be  better  in  the  future,     i  > 
and  thank  the  saints  it  is  no  worse.     I    may  not  speak  J    which  the 

confessional  holds  as  sacred,  but  of  this  be  assured,   tl  s  i.ildreu 

loved  both   of  you  devotedly,  and  it  was  wrong  on  your  part  to  \\in  their 
affections." 

"  Hut  we  were  honorable  in  our  intended  marr 

haps  you  were,  but  the  poor  girls   would   >oon  lia-.  ;  from 

your  neglect.     Desertion  follows  incompatability. 

•lould  not   mate.     You  can  read  and  write  e  now 

i  could  do  neither.     They  knew  not  the  meaning  of  a  singk 

and  had  no  accomplishments  except  that  of  the  <!: 

t  we  could  have  taught  them,  holy  father,  as  much  a:;  we  know  our- 
selv 

-1.     Such   th'n-rs   ari   n  >'  •.•  orld.     As 

'.itience  nitli  c.i--'-.    other.     As 

h  )<-•  teachi-  .up  an- 

tions  (or  t!u  purpose  of  unfolding  I  .     If  a 

lover  is  to  be  a  teacher  he  mo*;  be  kept  ifl  the  position  of  a  lover,  and  not 


Lewey  and  I. 


.  ored  one  at  that.     All  interest  ceases  at   marriage,  and  blessed  is  the 

can  retain  the  heart  and  devotion  of  a  man  six  months 
a  union.     The  laws  of  my  church  forbid  a  priest  to  wed.     The  provision  is 
a  \\ise  one,  for  if  we  had  family  matters  to  look  after  there  would  not  be 
much  lime  for  parochial  affairs.     Hut  we  see  with  open  eyes  all  the  domes 
tic  relations  of  life,  and  so  judge  as  we  look,  regretting,  yet  unable  to  apply 
;  t   the  best  of  advice,  and  that  is  rarely  taken  by  either 
a  cruel  thing  for  two  young  senors  like  you  to  win  the 
.     Hut  go,  and  God  go  with  you." 

He  ...  aded  his  arms,  and   we  uncovered  our  heads,  and  were 

blcs-  then     mounting    our     patient    horses    rode     toward     the 

house  of  the  pretty  sisters,  and  as  we  passed  on  our  way  saw  a  number  of 

peons  throwing  dirt  into  a  shallow  grave,  and  the  fierce  little  sergeant  was 

ider  the  shade  of  an   apple-tree  damning  them  in  no  measured 

terms,  and  smoking  cigarettes.     We  looked  back  and  saw  the  good  priest 

our  departure,  and  when  he  saw  us  turn  in  our  saddles  waved  his 

in  token  of  farewell,  and  that  was  the  last  we  ever  saw  of  the  padre  or 

>und  our  colonel  enjoying  himself  in  the  company  of  the  two  pretty 
sisters.  One  of  the  latter  was  thumbing  a  guitar,  and  singing  a  love  song, 
while  their  military  visitor  did  not  seem  in  the  least  dismayed  by  the  trage 
dies  !-.  nessed  during  the  afternoon. 

nc  in,  caballeros,"  he  said  when  we  stopped  opposite  the  door,  and 
as  we  entered  the  commodious  adobe  house  were  formally  presented  to  the 
cry  gracious  they  were  to  us.     We  did  not  allude  to  the 
murders  back  of  the  vineyards,  so  there  was  no    occasion  for  a  cloud  to 
cover  thi  nc  faces  of  the   girls.     The  colonel  seemed  to  have  : 

about  the  circumstance,  if  we  could  judge  by  the  laughter  he 


^om?  bottles  of  cheap  native  wine  on  the  table,  a 

tot  of  dark  bread,  and  nice  fruit,  and  after  we  had  partaken  of  the  rcfr 
ments  the  cu'onel  waltzed  with  one  of  the  j^rls,  and  the  other  played 

\oung  officer   was  a  very  good  dancer,  and  entered  into  tho 
it  of  the  movements  with  a  z-  i  hj:n  credit,  but  we  were  not  in 

clined   t.i  I;.-,  ami  so  declined   the  invitation  to  once  i:  :  the 

in  ovir  arms  as  of  iittle  too  soon  to  throw 

our  grief  to  the  winds,  and  forget  the  deaths  of  poor  Anita  and  I  •: 
who  might  have  been  our  v,  .icumsUnccs  bad  been  favorable  for 

': 


Ltwey  and  I. 


Presen-.lv  th-   tram])  of  horses'  feet  and  the  clanging  of  sabres  .«' 
that  our  esrort  was  at  the  door.     We  drank  a  glass  of  wine  to 
and  1:.  of  thL-  pretty  sisters,  kissed  their  hands  in   gallant 

mounted  our  horses,  and  left  the  place,  and  as  we  filed  out  of  the  ravine 
tood  at  the  door  of  their  house,  waved  their  scarfs,  and  smiled  a 
sweet  smite  at  the  colonel,  whose  haudsome  face  had  touched  their  hearts, 
I  have  no  doubt,  for  he  married  one  of  the  girls  some  months  later,  when 
peace  was  c'eclared,  and  had  a  bride  that  any  man  could  be  proud  of.  What 
became  of  tho  older  sister  I  never  knew.  I  hoped  she  fared  as  well.  We 
never  .  or  the  place  again. 

"  Colonel,"  I  said,  as  we  gained  the  mesa  land,  "how   did  you  happen  to 
be  present  just  as  we  needed  you  most  ?  " 

-ors,"  he  replied,  with  a  blush  and  a  laugh,  "you  are  not  the  only 
persons  in  Ca,.iornia  who  have  had  love  affairs  on  their  hands.  Soon  after 
you  left  Santa  Barbara  this  morning  I  learned  from  one  of  our  spies  that 
the  Sanchos  brothers  were  here,  and  had  married  your  girls.  I  feared  that 
you  would  meet  with  trouble  at  their  hands,  so  determined  to  kill  two  birds 
with  one  stone,  do  a  little  love-making  on  my  own  account,  and  bring  to 
justice  the  most  notorious  scoundrels  in  the  country.  General  Castro  au 
thorized  me  to  seize  the  fellows  wherever  found,  and  shoot  them  on  si-Jit. 
I  have  attended  to  mv  duty,  and  no.v  go  back  to  camp  with  the  thought 
that  justice  has  been  done." 

ur  conscience  do.vs  not  reproach  you  for    the  shooting?"    I 
asked. 

The  colon  1  .smiled. 

'•Scr.  /;lier  should  be  destitute  of  such  a  thing.     He  must  obey 

orders  no  matter  what  they  are.     Vainos,'1  and  striking  his  horse  with  his 

purs  we  flashed  forward  along  the  road  that  wound  about  the  beach, 

and  drew  rein  just  at  sundown,  and  as  we  dismounted  Senora  Costello  came 

to  war 

i  have  returned  unmarried  ?"  she  asked,  as  she  smiled  on  us. 

"  Our  intended  brides  are  dead,"  Lewey  remarked  in  a  low,  sad  tone. 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  was  the  careless  comment,  and  as  the  lady  spoke 
ihe  laid  a  hand  on  my  arm,  and  said,  — 

!  you  love  her  very  much,  my  friend  ?  n 

"  I  thought  so,"  was  my  response. 

"And  n< ..- 

"  Perhaps  1  have  seen  one  whom  I  love  better,"  and  I  sijjhe'l  as  the  liana 
was  withdrawn,  and  the  sigh  was  rc-cchood  as  the  lady  gathered  her  aark 


Lewey  and  I. 


\<\  entered  the  house,  and    I  saw  her 
no  more  tli.it  night. 

ey  exclaimed,  "  do  not  make  de  love  to 
/Oman,  and  our  admiration  bring  de  ruin  and 

,ster  on  al!  dat  ve  meet.     Let  but  de  sign  be  seen  dat  you  is  sweet  on 
le  life  you  has  von't  be  voitli  m  ve  her  if  you  vill. 

von  else.     Imitate  me,  and  be  cold  and  distant." 
I   looked  at  t  -nan  with  admiration  for  his  impudence,  at.  . 

our  mustangs  to  a  peon  servant,  for 

ael  Fernando  had  detailed  an  Indian  to  look  after  our  horses,  and  just 

as  we  entered  the  house  where  we  were  quartered  the  trumpets  rang  out  a 

.  and  the  young  ladies  of  the  town  hastened  to  the 

.i,  to  get  a  -il  commander  of  the  cavalry,  and  to 

stri.  teiuion  by  many  a  fan    flirtation  and  flash  of   d 

. 

>pers  in  silence,  then  wrapped  scrapes  around  our   shoul 

!cd  down  to  the  beach.     Jack  started  to  go  with 

i"  the  long  run  that  lie  had  during  the  day,  gave  us  at: 

sitatcd    for   a    moment,   and  returned    to    the    house, 

curl  :f  up  on   the  horse-blankets,  and  went  to  sleep.     We  did  not 

blame  him  for  refusing  to  accompany  us,  but  it  was  the  first  time  such  a 

:red. 

\Vc  halted  o|-;.o.-,itc   Don   Noriego's  house,  where  many  of   the  officers 
were  co:  J  evening  jte  and  m 

on,  for  we  di»l   not   care   to  join   the  company,  our  thoughts 
were  too  :>ed  the  beac' 

in  sand  and  looked  off  upon  the  bay  and  the  rolling  surf, 
and  our  ini n  Is  once  more  went  back  to  our  hide-droghing  days  and  bo. 
,.     Neither  of  us  spoke,  and   I  have  no  doubt  that   Lewey's  thox: 
were  ir  with  the  past,  and  all  the  strange,  wild  life  we  had  \\it- 

e  we  left 

•11  this  reverie  we  were  aroused 

our  .leeks  a  -'icn  the  cold  muzzles  of  ere  point 

our  IK 

you  make  the  least  noise  I  '11  blow  your  brains  out.     Ans-ver  me  a 
: 

:,  in  the  coolest  tone   I  could  assum"  mcing 

around  saw  that  we  were   surrounded  l.y  half  a  dozen  Yankee  man-of 

,  and  that  an  officer  was  holdiu^  one  of  th«  pistolt  ia  clo«t  proximity 


37°  Lewey  and  I. 


to  my  head,  and  a  middy  was  paying  the  same  attention  to  Lewey,  who,  in 
spite  of  the  surprise,  was  still  puffing  away  at  his  pipe  in  cool  contempt  of 
all  danger,  "do  you  not  think  that  it  would  be  better  to  converse  in  Eng 
lish.  We  should  understand  each  other  a  little  better." 

''The  devil,"  the  officer  said,  and  lowered  his  pistol,  "do  you  speak 
English  ? " 

"  Well,  sir,  it  comes  more  convenient  than  Spanish,  as  a  general  thing, 
far  we  make  awful  botches  of  the  latter  tongue  sometimes,  unless  it  is  all 
plain  sailing." 

"  I  thought  you  were  greasers,"  the  commander  of  the  squad  said.  "  You 
Are  dressed  in  Mexican  costume." 

"That  proves  nothing.  We  supposed  the  navy  was  officered  by  gentle 
men,  and  that  they  were  not  inclined  to  offer  rudeness  to  people  minding 
their  own  business.  We  were  both  mistaken,  that  is  all." 

"Don't  be  impudent,"  the  officer  remarked.  "We  must  take  life  and 
prisoners  as  we  find  them.  We  want  your  company  for  a  few  hours  on 
board  our  vessel." 

"  Indeed,  and  for  what  purpose  ?  " 

"  Information  which  I  think  you  can  give.  I  suspect  that  you  are  an 
American,"  the  officer  said. 

"  You  have  not  mis-stayed  this  time.  I  am  an  American,  and  this  gentle 
man,  my  friend,  is  French.  Now  what  do  you  desire  to  know?  We  do  not 
intend  to  leave  the  shore  tonight  to  visit  any  vessel." 

"  Do  not  be  too  sure  of  that,  my  friend,"  the  officer  said  with  a  laugh. 
"  We  are  strong  enough  to  take  you,  and  shall." 

"  You  are  over-confident,  sir.     One  word  from  us  and  you  could  not  move 
two  fathoms  from  the  beach  without  being  surrounded  by  cavalry, 
now  you  are  hemmed  in   on  all  sides  except  the  water,  and  cannot  < 
unless  you  have  the  countersign.     You  can  shoot  us  as  we  sit  here,  but 
that  is  not  customary  among  civilized  nations.     Murder  it  would  be  called 
before  a  court-martial." 

it  we  can  knock  you  on  the  head,  and  then  take  you,"  was  the  sullen 
rejoinder,  "and  I  am  not  sure  but  we  shall  do  it  if  you  continue  to  give  me 
any  more  lip." 

"  De  lip   is   not  all  on  von  y  remarked,  speaking  for  the 

first  time,  although  he  had  m.v.  rc.ik  in  fm 

minutes  past.  "  Ve  is  gentlemen,  and  in  iio  v.iy  li.ible  to  answer  questions. 
I  am,  sir,  de  French  consul  for  California,  and  dis  is  tie  American  consul, 
Mr.  Larkin." 


Lewey  and  f. 

with  amazen.ent  at  the  audacit. 

officer  could  not  well  see  our  youthful  I 
>„  the  story  was  liable  t<- 

.spercd  in  French. 

>u.     Impudence  must  tell  here,  or  we  will  be  on  board  of  a 
.in  an  hour,  and  then  the  saints  only  know  what  will  become  < 

..-men/'   the  naval  officer   said,   ;;  ;  ped  back, 

raised  his  cap.  -ced  his  pistol  in  a  belt.     »  I  did  not  \ 

\  should  have  spoken  in  a  different  tone.     Put  i 
e    I   thought  that   Mr.  Larkin,  our  consul,  was  at  Monterey,  his  usual 

"  So  I  was,  sir,  but  a  few  days  since.  Official  business  called  me  here, 
and  the  French  consul,  Monsieur  Lewey,  who  has  just  been  landed  from  a 
line-of-buttle  ship,  wanted  to  see  the  country,  so  came  to  this  place  in  my 


mention  of  a  line-of-battle  ship  has  a  great  influence  on  a  naval  of 
ficer.     The  stranger  bowed  lower  than  ever,  as  he  said,  — 

Mr.  Larkin.  but  this  is  the  first  time  I  was  ever  notified 
of  a   French  consul   being  stationed  on  the  coast.     I  suppose  it  is  o: 
count  of  our  war  with  Mexico." 

ft,  on  dat  account  entirely,"  hastily  remarked  Lewey.     "My  k 

me  so  hissclf." 

trong,  and  I  wondered  the  officer  did  not  disc- 
lie,  but  he  might  not  have  been  up  in  court  etiquette. 
tho-  Louis  Philippe  of    France   held  personal  ii 

;,ves,  and  gave  them  instructions. 

.is   comi 

please  tell  nv  are  cloin;:  ashore  at  this  time  of  ni-ut,  and  in  a 

tile  country  ?     Do  you  know  that  if  discovered  your  life  woul  orth 

a  me 

,  have  taken  the  chances,  sir,"  was  the  ans-ver.  -n  arc  wd 

1  will  sell  their  v  dearly,  or  would    resist    captti 

ling  a  little  about  th< 

-.-,  and  so  sent  us  on  shore  after  dark.      Our 
,l(je   of   th  -n  P"'nt  Arena,  and  will 

:s  we 

;  )\v  we  hope  you  will  en- 
lighten  us  as  soon  as  possible." 


Lewey  and  L 


"What  is  the  name  of  your  i  I  who  is  your  commodore  ?"  I 

asked. 

Stockton.  \\ho  is  ordeied  to  the  su 
preme  command  of  the  squadron  and  the  counti  .  1'he 
ship  is  lyini:  about  four  miles  from  shore,  bound  i  •  en 
tered  the  canal  this  afternoon,  and  hope  to  be  well  on  our  way  at  day 
light." 

>k  your  official  position,  sir  ?  "  I  demanded,  with  a  ca 
ference  that  I  by  no  means  felt,  for  if  the  man  discovered  the  imposi 
tion  he  would  have  made  it  lively  for  us. 

irn  the  third  lieutenant  of  the  Congress,  sir,"  was  the  answer,  "and 
this  is  ,'ood,  one  of  our  midshipmen." 

^  the  mid'ly,  and  then  I  said,  — 

irds  to  the  commodore,  and  say  how  pleased  he 

will  be  to  meet  him  at  Monterey  \\hen  he  returns.     R  port  that  the  frigates 
Cumberland  and  Independence  are  in  port,  and  that  California  has  been  for 
mally  tak<  -->ion  of  by  Commodore  Sloat.     You  or  -uion  the 
fact  that   i               Fremont  is  in  the  North,  and  that  there  will  not  be  much 
on  the  land,  and  none  at  sea.     That  is  all  the  information  \vj  can 
ith   the  exception   that   General  Castro  is  here  in  Sama  IJar 
and  ha>  son.-   u'°'>d  men  under  his  command.     Now  get  back  to  your  i 
as  soon  a               'Ie,  for  if  the  patrol  should  find  you  here  it  would  be  bad 
for  us  and  you  also." 

Just  as   I  finished  speaking  we   could  hear   the  lou  I.  ri 
trumpets,  and  ;he  darkness  saw  a  party  of  horsemen  coming  along 

the  beach  from  the  direction  of  Buenaventura. 

m  for  your  lives,"  Lcwey  and  I  whispered.     "  Here  comes  the  patrol. 
If  they  see  you  there  will  be  a  devil  of  a  row  and  no  mis-ake." 

The  naval  officer  and  his  men  did  not  stop  for  further  advice.     They  ran 
along  the  shore  toward   Point  Arena,  while  Lewoy  and   Id  the 

town,  then  threw  ourselves  in  the  tall.  s  that  fringed  the  beach,  and 

remained  concealed  until  the  cavalry  passed  by.     We  heard   some  w 
of  chall-  w  shots,  a  shrill  yell,  as  if  some  one  was  wounded,  and 

then  left  the  shelter  of  the  chapparel,  and  ran  in  the  direction  of  the  mis- 
ole  would  not  su> -»ect  we  came  from  the  usual 
;nct  any  a 

,c  Came   '  i"  our  me;  LTtered  the 

lon_  beaten,  half  a  dozen  trumpets  souncK  it,  and  then  off 

Point  Arena,  more  than  three  milesJiftiaJand,  we  saw  a  blue  light  burned, 


Lewey  and  I. 


and  into  th-  -ul  reveal-  'e  and 

it  w.;s  a  si-^'iju  i.f  r-.i.ill  for  the  boat  and  crew,  but  we  feared 

>t  tire  latter  /cans  were 

'.  cut  off  their  i  cd  to  remain  and  help  the 

had  been  discovered  holding  commur.  .'.\\\  .in  cue- 

cr  and   a  sh..rp  volley  would  have  settled  our  part  of  the 

.ime  at  daylight  the  next  m  (General  Castro  did  not  alldw 

,  the  Ameriiar.s  by  his  friends. 

r  pained  our  quarters  ti  •  •  as  mounting  his  horse  to  get 

the  rm 

to  the  teach  and  see  what  the  trouble  is  all 
fellows.     They  re 
mand  men   have  landed  on  the  shore,  and  are  march 
ward  1  •_•  as  mat  at  all  alo 

let  me  kr 

•U  th.it  here  was  a  - 

re  better  y  and  I,  as  we  knew 

.  iiuw  str> 
:e  in  the  rank 
; 

lorses,  c..  -ind  then  galloped  to- 

\ 
.  ir  nay  to  the  me-  scape  all 

.1  to  *o:n» 

ere  or  twice  I  heard   the 

it  this 
was  :. 

.c  had  the  re|X)rl  been  true. 
:.ice,  where  we  knew  we  sho 
I 

. 

the   Mexicans  \v^:o   m.iking   it  m.-i:  i  their 

.-•».     As  ti. 

.   were 

iujuied.  ;er  of  the  cutler  t  -zed  io 

the  surf,  and   if  such   was  the  case  all  hands  would  be  capture 
<  vere  w.r 

tid  as  1  rodt  up,/' let  us  not  waste  our  time  here  wi 


374  Lewey  and  /. 


one  boat  when  there  are  so  many  others  about  to  land  and  capture  the  town. 
Besides,  if  the  ship  should  fire  one  of  her  heavy  guns  in  our  direction 
many  of  us  nr.ght  be  killed,  as  this  point  i.s  an  exposed  place." 

Luck  was  on  my  side  just  then,  for  the  Congress  let  drive  a  shot  at  the 
land,  where  the  scene  was  lighted  up  by  the  flash  of  carbines,  and  a  ball 
passed  over  our  heads,  so  close  that  we  were  nearly  knocked  down  by  the 
windage,  and  our  hats  flew  in  all  directions,  so  great  was  the  current. 

The  attention  of  the  officers  of  the  frigate  had  been  attracted  by  the  fir 
ing  on  shore,  and  fearing  the  crew  of  the  cutter  were  in  danger  a  chance 
shot  was  hurl  ;d  toward  the  land,  with  an  elevation  sufficient  to  clear  the 
water,  and  not  injure  the  sailors.  It  came  just  right,  and  at  the  proper 
lime. 

"  Do'.vn  to  the  beach,"  Lewey  and  I  shouted.  "  The  next  shot  may  be  a 
shell,  and  kill  the  whole  of  us.  Let  these  men  go  while  we  look  after  the 
others." 

There  was  a  general  compliance  with  the  order,  and  no  grumbling.  As 
we  turned  to  leave  the  seaman  to  get  through  the  surf  the  best  way  they 
could  another  solid  shot  was  discharged,  struck  the  sand-hill,  and  threw 
more  than  a  cart-load  of  gravel  all  over  us,  some  of  it  lodging  in  the  men's 
eyes,  causing  much  needless  profanity. 

We  did  not  wait  for  a  third  discharge,  but  got  off  that  high  bluff  as  soon 
as  possible,  and  rode  along  the  beach,  and  as  we  did  so  the  Yankees  in  the 
boat  gave  three  cheers,  and  then  had  the  impudence  to  yell  out,  — 

"  Come  on,  you  bloody  greasers.  We  can  lick  a  million  of  you,"  and 
with  the  words  they  wont  through  the  surf,  and  were  out  of  harm's  way  in 
a  short  time,  for  how  could  we  accept  the  challenge  to  "come  on  "  when  we 
had  no  boat,  and  could  not  walk  the  water  ? 

For  a  mile  along  the  beach  we  went  looking  for  imaginary  enemit 
found  none,  as  a  matter  of  course,  and  then,  after  seeing  the  frigate  burn  a 
blue  light  to  show  her  position  to  the  cutter's  crew,  we  went  back  to  town, 
and  reported  to  the  co'.onel  that  our  men  had  beaten  off  a  large  number  of 
enemies,  and  performed  such  feats  of  valor  that  Homer  would  have  de 
lighted  to  record  them  had  he  been  alive  at  the  time,  and  capable  of  grasp 
ing  the  situation. 

Of  course  this  pleased  all  who  were  engaged  in  the  attack,  officers  and 
men,  and  General  Castro  issued  an  order  thanking  us  for  the  energy  and 
bravery  \ve  had  displayed,  and  the  young  girls  smiled  on  us,  and  sang  their 
most  f.'.scinating  songs  for  our  cntcrt.  One  crazy-headed,  long 

haired  poet  wrote  some  lines  for  the  cavalry  on  the  strength  of  the  night'a 


Lewcy  and  L  375 


doings,  and   I  remember  it  popular  at  the  time.     A  translation 

reads  something  like  this,  — 

14  See  the  heroes  crushing,  rushing, 
See  their  swords  for  blood  are  thirsting. 
Now  the  gringos  they  must  run, 
For  the  Mexican  with  his  gun 
Shoots  all  who  on  our  soil  do  land, 
And  for  Yankees  care  not  a cnramba." 

This  is  as  rmr  as  I  can  come  to  the  original.  The  poet  is  not  alive  at 
the  present  day,  but  some  of  his  descendants  are,  and  flourish  not  on'.y  in 
this  part  of  the  world  but  in  California.  The  race  never  dies  out,  more  is 
the  pity. 

The  next  day  Pedro,  our  old  friend  the  correo,  arrive-1  with  important 
despatch  Los  Angeles,  and  then  came  an  order  for  the  cavalry  to 

move  immediately  on  the  town,  take  possession,  and  hold  the  place  against 

all  co:i. 

Colonel  Fernando  was  detailed  to  go,  and  General  Flores  was  to  assume 
^cme  command  of  all  the  forces  assembled.     We  were  invited  to  r 

the  valiant  warriors,  and  as  we  had  nothing  better  to  do 
consented   to  march    with  our  young  friend,  and  look  after 

started  I  had  a  short  interview  with  Senora  Costello,  and  a 
I  on  both  sides,  something  never  to  1  ten  on  my 

trul  remembered  for  many  years  by  the   lady   I    stipp  -se.  alt! 

:  i  om  her  or  her  secret  thoughts  after  I  left  the   const.     Hut  if 
she  is  alive  I  should  like  to  meet  her  once  more,  and  :  mes 

an.l  old   adventures.     It  would  be  worth  a  trip  to  California  to  speak 
her  but  for  a  moment. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

I  BID  SENORA  COSTELLO  FAREWELL,  AND  HAVE  NO  COMMENTS  TO  MAKE. 
—  THE  MARCH  TO  LOS  ANGELES.  — THE  BATTLE  AND  ITS  RESULTS. — 
ON  THE  ROUTE  TO  SAN  DIEGO.  —  A  LUCKY  FIND  OF  GOLD.  —  A  DIS 
APPOINTMENT  ALL  ROUND. —  SAN  DIEGO.  —  SCOTCH  JACK  GIVES  US  A 
RECEPTION.  —A  UNITED  STATES  FLEET.  —  OFF  FOR  MAZATLAND.  — 
HOME  AT  LAST.  —  LEWEY'S  BEAUTIFUL  SISTER.  — A  HAPPY  LIFE  AND 
A  DARK  CLOUD. —  THE  END. 

TT  was  Colonel  Fernando  who  informed  me  that  his  pretty  little  sister, 
*•  Senora  Costello,  desired  to  see  me  before  we  left  Santa  Barbara  for  Los 
Angeles,  and  although   I  had  no  wish  for  the  interview,  and  would  have 
avoided  it,  there  was  no  reason  why  I  should  act  impolitely  and  decline  the 
invitation  to  call  and  exchange  a   few  parting  words  with   one   who  had 
treated  me   with  so  much   respect  and   consideration    for   several 
months.     I  did  not  dare  to  analyze  my  feelings  to.vard  the  lady,  for  she  was 
a  married  woman,  a  devoted  mother,  and  her  relatives  were  high  in  the  con 
fidence  of  the  government,  rich  and  influential,  proud  and  despotic. 

•*  Now,"  said  Lewey,  as  I  started  on  the  way,  "  do  not  a  fool  you  make  of 
ycrnself.  Be  like  me,  cold  and  distant,  and  remember  dat  ve  has  de  repu 
tation  to  keep  up." 

1   took  no  notice  of  the  impudent    young  man,  but  went  to  the  house 

the  lady  was  icsiding  with  her  husband.     She    received   r 
dial  manner,  invited  me  to  take  a  seat  by  her  side,  as  she  w.ib  all   alone, 
and  said,  — 

"  Do  you  leave  today  w'th  the  regiment  ?  " 

"  Yes,  scnora,  in  a  few  hours  wi-  shall  be  on  our  way." 

"And  when  do  you  expect  to  return  to  Santa  Barbara?" 

"  Perhaps  never.     We  think  of  going  to  San  Diego,  and  from  there  take 


Lcwey  and  L 


•  home.     Our  life  in  this  country  has  b~en  one  set 
:e   tired    of    fig  .ainst    ki. 


•*  I   a-n  ulad  you  are  going,  and  trust  you  will  never  return. 
see  r  for  ihe  last  time  on  earth,  1  sincerely  hope.     I  I] 

lenora,"  but  I  trembled,  and  felt  hurt  at  her  words.     I  k 

,i  have  been  like  a  brother  to  me,"  the  lady  whisper-, 
irk  eyes  and  gave  me  a  glance  I  did  not  dare  to  meet.     "  Have  you 
of  me  as  a  sister?" 

ry  dear  sister." 

.it  all  times  trust  yourself  with  me  as  a  relative?  "  she  asked, 
>!y  I  thought. 

as  a  man  of  honor  I  should  never  fail  to  treat  you  as  your 

high 

c  that  I  ana  married  and  love  my  husband  ?  "  the  lady  de 
manded  imperiously. 

.s,  senora,  I  comprehend  all  that." 
And  if  I  was  single,  what  then  ?  " 

-  I  should  hope,  and  remain  in  the  country,  lady." 
41  What  do  you  mean  by  those  words  ?  " 

ngs,  and  are  very  plain." 

•  Good  -iid,  and  held  out  her  litile  hand. 

•  do-.vn  and  kissed  it,  and  turned  to  leave  her  with  a.  stitlinn  sensa 
tion  in  m  -iim  with  moisture. 

•-•tuous  manner.     ••  ^ 
.ah  head  ' 
at  her  handsome,  |  :  ice,  and  flashing  eyes. 

remember,"  the  lady  cried,  "the  night  we  supposed  t 
were  to  attack  Monterey,  some  years  ago  ?  " 
aora." 

rricd  me  in  your   arms  to  the  boat,  and  were  m 
to  el*?!  'ur  labor?" 

44  It  was  no  later,  la-ly.     It  was  a  pleasure  to  serve  you.     1 
done  much  more  to  aid  you  had  I  the  the  time." 

to  deny  from  that  night  you  loved  me  ?  " 
I  .l,r 
windows  and  danced  around  the  room,  tinging  with  gold  the  dicss  and 


Lewey  and  /. 


of  the  majestic  little  woman  before  me,  who  was  playing  with   her  victim 
like  a  tigeress  with  a  stricken  animal,  too  weak  to  make  its  e.  ;  too 

timid  to  die  willingly. 

"  Why  do  you  not  deny  my  words?  "  Senora  Coslello  asked,  and  stamped 
her  little,  well-formed  foot,  the  toes  of  which  were  enclosed  by  a  slipper 
without  sides. 

*•  There  is  no  occasion  for  words  from  me,  senora.  I  am  but  a  humble 
young  man,  poor,  and  dependent  upon  favor  for  fortune.  If  I  was  a  gentle 
man  I  could  have  spoken  some  years  ago.  Now  it  is  too  late.  Let  me  go 
I  entreat  you.  This  interview  is  very  painful  to  me,  and  can  do  you  no 
good." 

"  Do  you  remember,"  she  asked  in  a  more  gentle  tone,  "  how  you  saved 
me  from  insult  at  San  Luis  Obispo  ? " 

•'  Yes,  lady." 

"  And  defended  me  from  ladrones  on  the  journey  to  Monterey? " 

"I  remember  all,  lady.  The  earthquake  and  uprising  after  the  troop* 
had  left  the  town.  I  would  gladly  do  the  same  again  and  again  for  your 
sake,  and  think  that  1  was  repaid  for  my  trouble  if  your  safety  was 
secured." 

"  How  dare  you  talk  to  me,  a  married  lady,  in  such  a  manner?  Do  you 
know  your  position  and  mine?  Do  you  realize  who  you  are  and  what  you 
are?  Do  you  recollect  that  a  few  months  ago  you  gladly  herded  with  giils 
of  the  peon  class,  and  felt  honored  at  their  notice,  and  would  have  ma: 
one  if  she  had  not  tired  of  waiting  for  you,  and  chose  another  more  to  her 
taste?" 

by  do  you  remind  me  of  all  this?"  I  asked,  with  a  weiry  sigh,  as  I 
raised  my  head  and  looked  at  the  flashing  eyes  of  the  lady. 

"To  show  you  the  difference  in  our  positions.  I  am  of  a  rich  family 
and  the  daughter  of  a  gentleman,"  she  said  with  the  haiigl.ty  prid^  of  the 
Spanish  race. 

"  What  constitutes  a  gentleman,  lady  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Wraith,  sir,"  was  the  answer. 

"Then   I   cm   lay  no  claim  to  gentility.     Let  me  go.     I  shall  never  see 
i  "t-r  today,"  and  moved  toward  the  door  as  I  spoke. 

"  Kcmiin    v.here  you  arc,  sir,  for  the  present,"  Senora  CosM-llo  said,  as 

her  peon  and  slave,  "and  answer   me 

can  read  and  have  an  education,  a  better  one  than  I  ever  could 

hope  for.     There  is  not  a  caballcro  in  Santa  Uarbara  who  can  speak   1 
libh,  Spanish  and  French,  and  write  those  un^uages.     There  is  not  one  who 


Lewey  an3  T. 


has  so  extensively  as  you  have,  who  is  so  bold  and  devoted,  and 

yet  .cse  wonderful  qualities  I  hate  you,  scorn  and  loathe  you,  and 

.•would  kill  you  if  1  dared." 

•*  For  what  reason,  lady  ?  "  I  asked,  astonished  at  this  burst  of  uncalled 
lor  rage  from  the  pretty  little  woman. 

"  Wretch,"  she  cried,  as  though  she  would  like  to  fall  afoul  of  me,  anj 
-tear  my  luir  out  in  great  handfuls,  "did  you  not  kneel  by  the  side  of  that 
dying  peon  girl,  anJ  kiss  her  lips,  and  shed  tears,  as  though  you  mourned 
(or  her  justly-deserved  death  ?  " 

••  I  admit  the  accusation,  "lady." 

She  seemed  inclined  to  make  a  spring  at  me,  and  scratch  my  face,  and  I 
wondered  what  the  deuse  was  the  matter  with  one  usually  so  gentle  and 
kind. 

••  Go,1'  she  said.  "  Your  presence  here  polutes  the  air.  You  are  dead  to 
shame  and  all  noLle  feeling.  You  are  the  meanest  young  man  I  ever  mec 
in  my  life." 

I  bowed  in  silence,  and  turned  away.  I  thought  she  was  a  little  out  of 
her  head, and  had  no  idea  why  she  should  treat  me  'in  such  a  curt  manner. 
Surely  I  had  been  very  polite  to  her  all  through  our  acquaintance,  and  nev 
er  spoke  a  rude,  impatient  word,  or  cherished  an  improper  thought.  If  I 
had  kissed  her  it  was  as  a  brother  and  not  as  a  lover,  and  now  that  she  was 
driving  me  from  her  presence  with  a  scornful  gesture  and  bitter  words  I 
bowed  my  head,  and  with  tears  in  my  eyes  passed  out  of  the  room,  and  did 
not  even  look  back  to  see  if  she  waved  me  a  farewell. 

But  as  I  reached  the  veranda  a  little  jiand  was  laid  on  my  shoulder  very 
lightly,  and  a  soft  voice  whispered,  — 

41  You  will  not  leave  me  in  anger,  will  you  ?  " 
o,  in  sorrow  more  than  anger,  sweet  iady." 

-et  all  the  harsh  things  that  I  have  uttered,  senor,"  the  lad. 
"  In  yo \ir  departure  remember  me  as  one  who  could  have  loved  if  she  had 
had  the  chance,  and  lates  were  propitious.  But  do  not  speak  to  me,  or  I 
shall  again  hate  you,  as  I  think  of  that  dead  peon  girl,  end  you  bending 
over  her.  There  was  another  who  should  have  been  shot  beside  the  San- 
chos.  Here,  take  this  ri:r^.  Wear  it  sometimes  for  my  sake,  and  then 
think  of  me  as  kindly  a*  you  OtO.  But  do  not  return  to  San  t  -..or 

remain  in  the  country,  for  you  might  sometime  marry,  and  then  I  should 
;  .  ,.  i  .     I  k:io-.v  I  could  not  help  doing  so." 

"For  w'ut  reason,  scnora? *'  I  asked  in  innocent  surprise. 

a  bobo,"  was  the  sharp  reply,  and  when  I  look  back  to  tbX  V* 


Lewey  and  t. 


rerview  I  think  that  I  must  have  been  xvhat  she  called  me,  — a  fool, —  for 
1  <Hd  not  suspect  for  a  moment  why  she  hated  all  whom  I  toved. 

She  thrust  a  ring  into  my  hand,  and  re-entered  the  house,  and  I  walked 
slowly  along  the  hot,  dusty  streets.  As  I  did  so  I  glanced  at  the  trinket, 
and  saw  that  it  was  a  valuable  diamond,  a  large,  brilliant  stone,  of  a  delicate 
straw  color,  yet  flashing  in  the  sunlight  like  a  star  on  a  winter  night  in  high 
latitudes. 

i  own  that  valuable  gem  at  the  present  time,  set  in  a  rich  masonic  jewel, 
and.  when  I  wear  it  my  thoughts  go  back  to  Senora  Costello,  and  I  Bonder 
i:  she  is  still  alive,  and  remember*  her  boy  lover,  and  his  modest  diffidence 
and  misunderstanding  of  a  woman's  heart  and  whims. 

Tne  trumpets  were  sounding  cheerfully  a?  I  regained  my  quarters,  and 
found  the  horses  saddled,  and  waiting  my  rciuin  to  join  the  head  of  the 
'regiment,  v.hich  was  drawn  up  for  the  march  ove;  ibe  mountains. 

Lewey  was  sitting  on  the  door-step,  smoking  his  pipe,  all  equipped  for 
the  journey.  Jle  looked  at  me  long  and  earnestly,  and  then  said,— 

"  Before  I  my  hand  gives  to  you  tell  me  dat  as  a  man  c:f  honor  has  you 
acted." 

"  As  a  man  of  honor,  my  friend,  I  assure  you.'* 

"  Den  I  takes  you  to  mine  heart.  I  knew  dat  trust'you  I  could.  .  Alons. 
Jet  us  go,  or  de  trumpeters  vill  deir  heads  blow  off.  I  is  glad  to  see  dat 
my  example  is  good  for  von  foolish  boy  like  you.  Imitate  me,  and  all  vill 
be  veil." 

I  could  not  give  the  French  lad  a  piece  of  my  mind,  for  I  was  .in  no  con 
dition  for  badinage.  We  whistled  lor  Jack,  mounted  our  horses,  and  rode 
to  the  head  of  the  column  just  as  the  order  was  given  for  "fours  right," 
and  with  a  shrill  blast  from  the  trumpets  we  filed  through  the  greets,  and 
were  admired  by  the  ladies  as  usual.  Senora  Costello  was  on  the  veranda 
of  her  house,  and  although  she  threw  a  greeting  to  her  brother,  never 
locked  at  me,  or  noticed  my  profound  bow,  and  so  we  passed  out  of  sight, 
ar.d  I  never  saw  the  pretty  little  mother  again,  but  I  did  not  "forget  her, 
a'ld  shall  not  as  long  a*  I  live. 

\Vc  toiled  up  the  side  of  the  mountain,  and  on  the  crest  I  halted  my 
horse,  and  looked  at  the  sleepy,  picturesque  little  town,  the  surf  and  beach, 
the  old  mission,  and  then  turned  and  resumed  my  journey,  and  that  was  the 
lust  view  I  ever  had  of  Santa  Barbara,  the  scene  of  so  many  hours  of  pieas 
ure  and  pain. 

*  through  the  district  like  a  swarm  of  locusts,  eating  and  de- 
:.£  all  that  came  in  our  way.     .Some  of  the  rancher?*  weie  - 


and  L  381 

i  declare  th't  •  A  ere  to  be  preferred  to  the  Mexi- 

:pposed  they  were  a  liitle  prejudiced  a^ainsi  tlu  cav- 

'  its  freedom  and  bravery  in  attacking  herd*  »,  and 

ru;  our  men,  many  of  *:hem  breaking 

'.  in  twcnl)  ^ur  noa^,  through  racing  ano 
:v,d. 

•  da)  s  on  o*ir  tramp  to  Los  Angeles,  and  then 
/•rhvine,  and  drove  all  the  Americans  oui  of  tl-e  rK.c 
:d  become  r.V.iralizcd  Mexicans,  and  married  into  the  in-1 

;  were  able  L»  r*pay  some  of  the  former  kino 
_>  and  Temple,  for  we  hoJ  a  guard  placed  over  the  store 
of  the  r.  our  quarters  at  the  house  of  the 

lit1.  •  were  enalled  to  save  both  gentlemen  much  annoy- 

:r  property -intact,  something  worth  consider!  1.1;  when 
.-I  there  were  about  eight  hundred  restless  men  in  town,  and 
,.1  would  not  distinguish  between  right  and  wrong  where  ; 

:ned. 

We  should  have  been  very  pleasantly  located  at  Los  Angeles,  as  far  as 
.ilers  were  concerned,  if  .Mr.  Temple  had  not  insisted  upon  our  sitting 
.1  drinking  strong  punch  and  playing  monte.     \Ve  gener 
ic  an  excuse  and   escaped  all  damage, .but  the  temptation 
rig,  and  we  had  much  difficulty  in  getting  away  by  pretending  mii 
:  staff  duties. 

y  and  I  were  quite  popular  in  Los  Angeles,  our  persecuters  were 
and  the  young  ladies  never  tired  of  asking  after  the  fate 
.he  girls  we  were  supposed  to  have  desired  to  marry.     The  friendly  man- 
Colonel  Fernando  and  his  officer^  treated  us  was  another  cvi 
it  we  were  capable  of  obtaining  anything  we  desired  in  ti.c  WAV  o> 
ferment  had  we  been  disposed  to  ask  it.    We  were  invited  to  some  very 
.*  houses,  and  had  no  duty  to  perform  except  at  the  dress  parades,  when 

.'Ac  that  the  regiment  should  show  as  many  men  in  line  as 
!c.    To  be  sure,  for  this  arduous  duty  we  received  no  pay,  but  were  tokf 
t  we  could  have  a',!  the  land  we  desired,  even  ten  leagues  square    . 

'.;nify  our  \\ish  for  as  much. 

At  one  time  we  thought  trtot  we  would  take  a  grant,  and  settle  down  foi 
I  life,  but  the  fre!in<r  for  home  in  LeweVfl  breast  and  ray  own  grew  stron^e* 
I  and  strongei,  Mid  at  list  we  concluded  that  we  had  seen  enough  of  C. 

ends'  faces  would  be  desirable.     We  were  not 
te  pennil  ch,  and  if  we  wished  for  wealth  it  w. 


382  Lewey  and  L 


show  that  four  years  of  our  lives  had  not  been  wasted  in  reckless  adven 
tures. 

It  vv-a,~  while  we  entertained  such  feelings  that  the  rumors  of  war  became 
more  numerous.  We  learned  that  Fremont  had  been  appointed  by  Com 
modore  Stockton  governor  of  the  State,  and  also  lieutenant-colonel  ol  a 
mounted  regiment  of  rifles,  and  that  he  was  threatening  the  whole  of  North 
ern  Cillfr-rnia,  and  had,  in  fact,  subjected  it  to  his  control,  and  was  march 
ing  toward  Santa  Barbara.  Then  came  a  despatch  stating  that  five  hun 
dred  marines  and  sailors  were  being  disembarked  at  San  Pedro  from  the 
frigates  lying  there,  the  Savannah  being  the  principal  vessel. 

Our  scouts  learned  enough  to  know  that  the  force  was  intended  for  Los 
Angeles,  and  this  set  General  Flores  in  motion,  with  about  four  hundred 
men  (all  well  mounted,  and  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Fernando),  and 
one  little  light  six-pounder,  which  the  Mexicans  picked  up  somewhere,  and 
had  prepared  about  twenty-five  rounds  of  ammunition  for  the  same.  I  never 
knew  where  the  powder  or  shot  came  from  Jt  was  a  mystery  to  most 
every  one  excrept  Flores. 

Lewey  and  I  were  invited  to  go  and  see  the  battle,  and  as  we  were 
mounted  on  fast  horses  had  no  objection,  thinking  we  could  keep  out  of 
the  way  of  the  American  warriors  should  the  attack  become  a  serious  one, 
which  we  did  not  anticipate  for  a  moment,  as  we  imagined  our  Mexican 
friends  would  stand  one  volley,  and  then  retreat  as  soon  as  possible,  gain 
ing  the  tops  of  the  neighboring  mountains,  and  from  thence  carry  on  an 
irregular  warfare  for  months  to  come,  with  safety  to  themselves  and  danger 
to  the  enemy. 

Jt  was  a  lovely  morning  when  we  galloped  out  of  Los  Angeles,  and  took 
the  road  for  San  Pedro,  but  as  the  sun  got  up  the  heat  became  intense  on 
the  mesa  lands,  as  there  was  not  a  breath  of  air  stirring.  The  little  brass 
field-piece  was  drawn  by  two  large  mules,  staid  old  beasts,  that  required 
much  pounding  to  get  into  a  run,  and  so  keep  up  with  the  horsemen. 

When  about  ten  miles  from  the  town  we  sighted  the  advance  guard  of 
the  Americans,  all  on  foot,  sailors  and  marines,  stretched  along  the  road  as 
though  going  to  a  picnic,  and'caring  no  more  for  us  than  if  we  had  been  so 
many  women.  In  fact  we  were  despised,  and  yet  it  is  net  good  generalship 
to  laugh  at  any  force  that  may  be  sent  against  you,  for  fortune  is  a  fickle 
iade,  and  sometimes  deserts  the  best  of  generals,  men  who  count  on  their 
stars  and  not  on  the  resolution  of  a  foe,  like  Napoleon  at  Waterloo/ 

General  Flores  called  a  halt,  and  sent  a  few  scouts  forward  to  recon- 
ooitre.  The  rancheros  wcre_»upcrDly  mounted,  ana  some  ot  *fje 


and  /.  383 

horsemen  in  the  country.     It  was  a  beautiful  exhibition  of  dash  and  - 
fulness  to  see  them  hovering  around  the  Americans,  sometimes  or. 
flank,  rear,  and  in  front,  and  yet  out  of  musket  shot  all  the  time,  for  not  a 
ball  touched  them.     They  irritated  the  invaders  like  vicious  flies  in  the 
.vner-time  around  bald-headed  men,  for  occasionally  we  could  sec  a  dozen 
k-tars  start  off  on  the  run  to  get  a  little  nearer  the  fleet  enemy,  and  then 
the  Mexicans  would  laugh  and  make  insulting  gestures,  in  the  hope  of  in 
ducing  the  Yankees  to  continue  the  pursuit,  and  be  cut  off  from  the  n 
bo 

The  ranchcros  were  like  sparrows  on  the  win^,  now  here  and  there,  and 
avray  on  the  run  when  there  was  a  chance  to  distract  the  attention  of  the' 
enemy,  or  throw  a  lariat  around  a  sailor  just  out  of  bounds. 

"Thorn,"  said  my  friend  Lewey,  after  we  had  sat  and  watched  the  enemy" 
ior  half  an  hour  or  more,  "  your  countryman  like  a  fool  acts.  I  see  disas 
ter  to  him  unless  he  keeps  in  line  and  not  fret  ven  de  Mexican  is  near. 
Now  at  dat  look.'* 

I  did  look,  and  could  only  groan  at  the  manner  in  which  my  friends  were 
acting.  They  seemed  to  think  that  the  Mexicans  were  a  set  of  vagabonds 
and  destitute  of  courage  or  skill,  and  that  an  American  could  walk  away 
i  a  dozen  of  them  on  foot  or  horseback,  forgetting  for  the  moment  that 
the  ranchero*  were  as  expert  riders  as  could  be  found  in  the  world,  and  not 
devoid  of  a  certain  amount  of  desperate  pluck,  when  well  led  by  men  in 
whom  they  had  confidence. 

Suddenly  the  sailors  gave  three  cheers,  and  rushed  toward  us,  not  in  the 

best  of  formation,  but  a  rollicking  sort  of  way,  as  though  expecting  us  to 

scatter  and  run.    There  was  a  magnificent  chance  for  a  charge  of  cavalry, 

and  1  expected  General  Florcs  would  give  the  order  to  move  forward. 

.n    Colonel    Fernando   drew    his    sabre,*  and,,   smiling,    told    me    to 

out  of  line  unless  I  desired  to  ride  over  my  own  countrymen.     If  the 

a  had  been  matfe  with  boldness  not  a  hundred  Americans  would  have 

aped.    But  the  order  was  not  given,  for  Florea  had  other  plans,  ant! 

afraid  of  defeat,  yet  victory  was  certain  if  a  little  earnestness  had  beea 

shown  by  ihc  Mexicans. 

Up  to  the  front  came  the  two  mules  with  ihe  field  piece,"  and  ft  was* 
;    pointed  at  the  invaders  when  they  were  not  more  than  half  a  mile  distant.' 
There  was  a  rn^'r,;  <'. :scharge,  and  down  fell  a  dozen  or  more  sailors 

:ies,  killed  and  wounded. 

"Tocar  a  lar  retirada,"  sounded  the  trump-ts,  and  I  wa>  \\\  hopes  the 
Mexicans  .were  about  to  fall  back  to  the  town,  without  more  fighting,  but 


T.ewey  ancl  / 


the  v?oupding  of  the  Americans  secmcB  tt>  enrage  the  sailors,  as  they  ut- 
K»red  a  yetl  and  came  for  us  as  fast  as  they  could  run. 

*  Fuego,"  shouted  Florcs  with  a  smile  on  his  face,  as  he  saw  the  imbecil 
ity  of  his  opponents, 

The  mules  once  more  came  to  the  front,  there  was  a  roaring  discharge", 
and  <Iown  tumbled  many  men  who  should  have  been  spared  such  a  cruel 
fare.  The:  marines  gave  us  a  volley/  but  no  one  was  injured,  for  their  mus». 
keis,  old-fasliioned  ones  at  that,  did  not  carry  a  ball  like  the  breach  loader 
"c£  modern  days,  when  it  is  possible  to  kill  at  a  distance  of  over  a  mile. 
Had  aur  people  been  armed  with  such  weapons  at  that  time  the  Mexicans 
would  have  been  defeated  with  great  loss..  But  they  were  not,  and  so  bad 
to  suffer. 

As  the  Americans  advanced  the  Mexicms  retreated,  slowly,  yet  fast 
'enough  to  keep  beyom]  the  reach  of  the  invaders,  and  when  a  chance  pre- 
!t  the  field  piece  was  brought  into  use,  and  at  every  discharge  men  fell, 
j  were  shouts  of  rage  and  pain  from  one  party,  and  yells  of  triumph 
from  the  other,  but  at  last  it  was  reported  that  there  was  only  one  round  of 
Ammunition  left  for  the  brass  gun,  and  I  was  glad  to  hear  it,  although  I  did 
jnot  dare  to  express  my  joy  at  the  news,  for  if  I  had  my  life  would  not  have 
been  worth  a  real.  In  fact  but  few  in  the  regiment  knew  that  I  was  an 
American,  as  it  was  not  considered  desirable  to  parade  my  nationality  be- 
fjore  every  one,  by  the  advice  of  Colonel  Fernando,  who  was  a  good  friend 
to  us  as  long  as  we  were  with  him. 

The  invaders  did  not  pursue  the  Mexicans  any  further.  They  gathered 
'tup  their  dead  and  wounded  and  retired  to  their  ships  at  San  Pedro,  sadder 
and  wiser  men,  while  the  cavalry  went  back  to  Los  Angeles  flushed  with 
triumph,' and  received  an  ovation  so  flattering  no  wonder  the  h?ads  of  all 
the  officers  were  turned  for  the  time  being,  and.  proclamations  were  as 
plentiful  as  oranges  in  modern  days. 

Americans  became  decidedly  unpopular  in  the  town,  as  the  soldiers  were 
clamorous  to  be  again  .led  against  the  Yankees,  and  while  this  feeling  pre*' 
vailed  Colonel  Fernando  one  day  sent  for  Lewcy  and  myself,  and  spoke  to 
us  very  seriously  and  calmly. 

"This  is.  now  no  .  place  for  you,"  he  said.  "Our  people  arc  growing 
more  excited  every  day  against,  foreigners.  At  the  present  time  you  stand 
well,  but'  still  there  arc  irmrmurs  that  you  are  Americans  in  disguise,  and 
acting  as  spies  for  the  United  State?.  It  is  useless  to  state  I  do  not  be 
lieve  a  word  that  is  whispered  against  you.  Still  I  can't  entirely  shut  the 
youths  of  tliose  wfcf  are  cla.morvw.J0r  fcroc  w  ^  hope  of  obtaining  an 


office  and  ucalth.     If  v. 

_rs  would  have  lr« 
leave  us  and  the   ( 
safe." 

jlicvcd  that  there  was  r. 

cept  it.     We  had  noticed  cold  looks  for  several 

ifot  smile  on  us  as  formerly,  for  some  reason  \\iiich  \\c  did  net  compre*, 
hend. 

"  Go  to  San  r> 
house.     That  :nd,  and  you  will  not  be  disturbed  there.     I  can 

you  passes  ail  through  the  lower  part  of  the  Su'c,  so  that  no  one 
molest  or  detain  you  on  the  way,  or  at  San  Diego.     I  have  alreac! 
mcnt  from  General  Castro  in  yoifr  behalf,  and   totla 

from  General  Flores.     It  shall  be  reported  in  the  town  that  you  have  £0n* 
on  a  scouting  expedition  over  the   mountains,  r.  not  likely  you 

meet  with  any  one  to  interfere  with  your  affairs.     I  dislike  to  part  with 
such  dear  friends,  but  it  is  for  the  best.     I 
believe  n 

"  Colonel/1  I  asked,  "  what  is  the  prospect  ol  Mexico  retaining  posses 
sion  of  the  State  ?  " 

*•  None,"  the  officer  answered  with  a  sigh.     "  We  shall  ultimately  be 
ground  to  powder,  extinguished  and  exterminated.     There  is  no  hope  for 
The  United  States  have  been  endeavoring  for  years  to  get  a  foothold 
here,  and  there  is  not  a  stream,  a  pass,  a  canyon,  or  a  tra 

ome  of  their  maps.     Explor'.;  have  been  through  the  cou 

under  the  guise  of  trappers  ami  hunters,  and  noted  everything   of  interest, 

anil  it  will  be  turned  to  good   a  Fremont  has  raised  a 

ncnt  of  mounted  rifles,  and  \\ho  <  .-n  ?     Ge: 

•s  headed  for  San  Diego,  on  -n    from 

couriers.    Commodore  ,   '  .  rch 

on  Los  Angeles  in  such  ^r.    ;•!;  -.all  be  defcatc  :  or  battle. 

Hemmed  in  on  all  r  hope  is  there  for  us,  e 

ollect  that  not  one-tenth  part  of  ll.c  male  population  !  .      and 

offered  to  assist  u^  ?     V,V  could  keep  up  a  gucr  Jng 

to  the  mountains,  but  \\h.it  use  -.wi!  1  it  be?     Shon'  cure 

our  fndependence  ?     No,  .1  pricv  i  the  In* 

dians  might  hunl  for  us  !ik 
the  c 
out  guns,  ammunition,  or  moaey,_vvhat  caa  we  hope  for  against  a  powerful 


386  Ltwey  and  L 


aattou  ?    It  cofaraands  our  poru,  and  soon  will  occupy  the  land,  fight  a* 
hard  as  we  may  to  preserve  it." 

I  MI*/  tears  in  the  gallant  young  man's  eyes  as  he  spoke.  He  turned  to 
the  window  for  a  moment  to  hide  his  emotion,  and  then  once  again  faced 
us. 

"  You,  senors,  have  been  to  me  like  brothers  for  the  past  few  months. 
You  have  saved  my  life,  and  that  of  my  sister  and  her  child  on  several  oc 
casions.  Let  me  make  some  return  for  all  your  kindness  before  \ve  part. 
Here  are  two  bags.  Each  contains  in  doubloons  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
dollars.  Oblige  me  by  accepting  the  same  as  s'6me  recompense  for  your 
interest  in  my  behalf.  The  amount  is  small,  and  I  wish  that  it  was  ten  times 
larger,  but  it  is  all  that  I  can  afford  just  now." 

"  Colonel,"  I  said,  "  we  thank  you  for  your  many  acts  of  kindness,  and 
wish  that  we  could  remain  with  you  until  peace  is  declared.  We  have 
long  felt  that  we  occupied  a  peculiar  position,  and  discussed  the  prospects  of 
getting  home.  Your  words  have  only  hastened-  our  action.  We  cannot 
serve  against  the  United  States,  and  we  have  taken  an  oath  not  to  raise  a 
hand  in  opposition  to-Mexico.  What  can  we  do  but  retire  from  the  State, 
or  else  espouse  one  side  or  the  other  to  prevent  suspicion  being  attached 
to  our  actions.  Keep  your  money,  for  we  want  none  of  it." 

"•You  need  it  more  than  I  do,"  the  colonel  said,  "  I  can  do  nothing  with 
so  much  gold  at  the  present  time,  unless  I  bury  it,  and  then  if  killed  who  is 
to  benefit  by  it  ?  My  wealth  is  all  in  land  and  cattle.  The  cattle  may  dis 
appear,  but  the  land  will  remain  and  yield  me  a  home  some  time  or  other  I 
hope,  even  if  it  is  under  the  stars  and  stripes.  Don't  be  afraid  of  the  mon 
ey.  ^  I  won  it  last  night  from  Senor  Temple- on  the  turning  of  a  card.  He 
won't  feel  it,^  for  he  has  plenty  more  somewhere.  I  made  the  stake  in  the 
hope  of  reaping  a  rich  harvest  so  that  I  could  be  generous  to  you." 

"And  it  you  had  lost,  Senor  Colonel  ?  n  I  asked. 

"I  should  have  given  him  a  township  in  the  Valley  of  San 
Gabriel,"  w-;  the  answer.  "  I  own  half  a  county  there  I  believe,  although 
I  have  never  seen  much  of  it.  With  one  hundred  thousand  acres  on  the 
Sacramento  River,  and  one  or  two  hundred  thousand  near  Monterey,  and 
what  I  have  here,  I  am  pretty  well  provided  for.  Take  the  gold,  senors. 
Unless  you  do.  I  shall  feel  that  you  do  pot  think  the  sum  is  enough." 

Under  the  circumstances  we  did  not  again  refuse  the  generous  gift  We 
left  the  presence  of  the  young  officer  feeling  the  highest  respect  for  a  man 
who  would  risk  a  principality  for  the  purpose  of  winning  a  lot  of  gold  for  tb* 
ose  of  his  friends. 


Lewey  ana  I.  387 


•fhe'same  day  we  quietly  commenced  our  preparations  for  departure. 
\  not  intend  it  should  be  generally  known  that  we  were  goiog,  so 
.-d  the  secret  to  Messrs.  Temple  and  Stearns  only.    They  approved 
of  the  step  we  were  about  to  take,  and  thought  it  a  judicious  one.     We  de 
termined  to  use  our  peon  servant,  as  he  was  a  smart,  active  fellow,  and  very 
irthy  if  ram  was  kept  out  of  his  way.     He  had  looked  after  our 
hoises  for  some  months,  knew  our  ways,  and  was  eager  to  go  on  a  scouting 
expedition,  or  anywhere  else,  provided  he  was  paid  a  few  dollars  a  month, 
iie  was  certain  to  lose  at  monte  in  less  than  two  hours  after  receiv 
ing  the  money. 

:61d  him  to  pick  out  two  good,  safe  pack-mules  from  those  belonging 

to  the  army,  with  saddles  and  reatas,  also  the  mustang  he  was  accustomed 

to  ride  on  the  march.     This  he  did,  and  Colonel  Fernando  gave  them  to 

us  without  price.    To  be  sure  the  animals  did  not  cost  the  Mexican  govern- 

:,  as  they  were  taken  when  needed,  and  trom  whomsoever  hap- 

.  \  to  have  a  stock,  no  money  being  passed  during  the  transaction. 

\Ve  gathered  a  supply  of  tobacc<~»,  matches,  dried  beef,  coffee  and  sugar, 

.cad,  a-nd  a  fresh  lot  of  fishing  lines  and  hooks,  besides  a  coffee  pot, 

-..Hot  to  try  what  we  could  not  broil.     Then  we  collected  a  lot  of  am- 

on  for  our  rifles  and  pistols,  and  while  we  were  buying  the  latter  Mr. 

s  made  us  a  present  of  a  spade,  the  last  thing  we  should  have  thought 

of  taking  with  us,  but  we  were  assured  that  it  would  be  useful  to  dig  worms 

•.•nt  after  trout.     We  did  find  it  useful,  but  not  for  the  purpose 

ted. 

1  our  purchases  were  collected,  and  stowed  away  ir. 
.  ready  for  packing  on  the  mules,  we  went  around  and  bade  good- 
.timate  friends,  and  the  next  morning  lor:'.:  before  daylight 
ir  breakfast,  and  were  in  the  saddle.     Just  before  we  started 
-.me  \o  in  and  shook  hands,  wishing  us  ail  kinds  of 
ick,  an<l  then  as  the  first  streaks  of  rhyli^ht  touched  the  faces  of  the 
ht  of  Jack  we  filed  out  of  town,  halted  every 
:ninutCR  with  the  sharp  cry  of,  — 
••liere  uste<l  ?      Par 

•  or,  and  then  the  password  of  "  Castro  *  w. 
>d  thus  running  the  gauntlet  of  challenges  we  were  soon  o 
.-its  of  the  trvvn,  and  near  the  Mission  of  ng  our 

re  us,  or,  raihe..  our  Indian  did,  in  the  rancheros, 

and  ;ust  as  we  ha-1  passed  th-  -y  checked  his  hor: 


388  I*ewey  and  L 


"  De  saints  hab  me  in  deir  keepin',  but  I  has  forgotten  von  ding  flat  is 
important." 

"  And  what  is  that  ?  "  a  .little  startled  at  the  thought  that  it  might  be  our 
money. 

"  Vy,  vot  skall  ve  tell  de  daughters  of  de  ranqheros  on  de  vay  ?  To  von 
—  Florencia  —  I  promised  much.  To  de  fadder  of  de  udder  you  say  many 
foolish  dings.  But  de  question  now  is  vot  skall  ve'  do  and  libe  ?  Ve  can't 
ved." 

"  Do  not  let  us  borrow  trouble  until  the  tire e  arrives  for  it,"  I  remarked. ' 
1  Perhaps  the  girls  are  married,  and  out  of  the  way  by  this  time,  so  all  diffi.' 
culty  will  be  avoided." 

I-  dink.  not.    Yen  a  #irl  say  she  love  me  it  is  for  life.    But,  alons.    We 
can  swear  dat  ve  is  de  bearer  of  despatches  and  has  no  time  for  de  matri-. 
mony." 

With  this  consoling  thought  we  pushed  on  after  Juan,  the  Indian  peon, 
and  at  sunrise  were  on  the  spur  of  one  of  the  mountains  of  the  Sierra 
Madre,  and  looking  off  toward  Los  Angeles,  the  mission,  and  the  lovely 
Valley  of  San  Gabriel,  while  away  to  the  west  sparkled  the  blue  waters  of 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  thfc  white  Cataline  Island,  lying  off  the  coast,  ren 
dered  more  distinct  by  the  gleams  of  the  sun,  just  starting  on  its  daily- 
course  through  a  cloudless  sky. 

The  scene  was  too  beautiful  to  part- from  in  a  hurry.  We  called  to  Juan 
to  unload  the  mules,  and  start  a  fire.  Lewey  and  I  prepared  a  pot  of  cof 
fee,  brought  forth  some  bread  and  cold' meat  for  an. early  breakfast,  and 
tvhfie  we  ate -and  drank  our  animals  fed  on  the  dry  grasses  and  wild  oats  of 
the  district. 

Jack  was  delighted  with  the  change.  He  scented  game  in  every  copse, 
and  through  the  bushes  roamed  in  constant  expectation  of  meeting  some 
thing  he"  could  punish  and  worry.  Juan  was  satisfied  with  our  unlimited 
supply  of  cigarettes  and  tobacco,  and  the  hope  of  earning  a  few  dollars  so 
that  he  could  have  the  pleasure  of  losing  the  same  at  monte,  just  as  soon  as 
\ve  struck  the  town  of  San  Diego. 

For  an  hour  we  sat  on  the  mountain  spur,  smoking  and4 looking  at  the 
beautiful  scenery  beneath  us,  enjoying  every  moment  of  the  time,  and 
thinking  how  we  had  rested  in  the  same  I  a  few  months  before,  on 

our  journey  toward  Ranche  Refu^io,  with  high,  hopes  of  matrimony  and 
love,  only  to  be  disappointed.  And  yet  we  could  not  bear  to  turn  our  backs 
on  the  place  that  had  sheltered  us  for  so  many  weeks,  and  where  we  found 
warm  friends  when  we  needed  them. 


"  and  7. 


"Load  up,  Ju 

ip  on  the  other  side  of  the  mountains  : 
The  peon  obeyed,  and   was  soon  hurrying  his  pack-mules  over  the 

AC  mounted  our  horses,  took  one  last  look  at  the  surrounding  coun- 

:          .nd    then    resumed    our   journey,    bu.  .    in  all  the 

world  there  could  not  be  a  more  beautiful  spot  for  a  home,  and  since  then 

.:ids  of  peopie  have  come  to  the  same  conclusion,  for  the  San  Gabriel 

is  now  teeming  with  life  and  industry,  and  vineyards  and  grain  have 

taken  the  place  of  cattle  ranches,  and  where  the  coyote  once  roamed  in  a 

wilderness  now  school  children  are  seen  on  their  way  for  instruction.    The 

store-keeper  has  forced  the  rdnchero  from  his  stronghold,  and  kft  only  a 

on  of  his  former  power,  and  expertness  on  horseback,  and  with  the 

lariat  in  his  dark,  sinuous  hands,  that  never  knew  the  meaning  or  use  of 

soap,  even  in  a  long  and  savory  career  of  cattle  tending.    A  new  world  has 

opened  for  the  attraction  of  industrious  men  and  women, "but  it  has  one 

fault,  for  who  would  want  to  die  when  once  comfortably  settled  in 

h  a  paradise? 

vent  through  the  canyon  in  a  careful,  leisurely  manner,  ?aw  the  same 
eagles  overhead,  the  same  hawks  and  buzzards,  and  at  last  came  to  the 
1>  lint  where  we  had  witnessed  the  exploits  of  the  bear  in  pitching  rocks  in 
to  the  stream  beneath  him,  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  the  water  splash  up- 
and,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  there  was  a  bear  at  the  very  spot,  and 
i  the  same  monotonous  sport.     It  mi^ht  have  been  the  one  we 
icn  we  went  through  before,  or  a  companion,  but  the  circumstance 
singular  one  to  say  the  least,  and  when  we  stopped  and  looked 
old  fellow,  and  shouted  to  him  across  the  ravine,  he  sat  up  on  his  haunches 
^and  actuaKy  beckoned  us  to  come  over,  and  have  a  close  and  confidential 
chat.     Lcwey  vowed  that  he  saw  the  brute  wink  one  eye,  but  ti. 
French  Kid  v.v.s  not  inclined  to  always  confine  himself  to  facts,  and  «van- 
a  liitlc  in  his  great  desire  to  imagine  things  which  really  did  not 

The  brute  was  so  cool  and  independent  that  we  did  not  desire  to  disturb 

.  pincss.    We  left  it  pitching  down  stones,  and  felt  as  tho 
.'seen  an  old  friend  for  the  last  time.    Ju  ,  hunted  in 

couples  when  after  fish.     That  one  '.e  a  position  over  a  brook,  and 

hurl  bowlders  into  {'.      •  onfcderate 

•might  be  sU'ione.l  down     ti       i  I  >  i!oated  a! 

4Ji(e.    The  peon  related  :  ..c  face,  as  the  ,  true, 

and  J  give  it  for  what  it  is  vorih,  ,  -as  told  to  me  many  years  ago. 


Lewey  and  T. 


verify  .fhc  matter  by  actual  experience.  If  the  bears  of  Cali 
fornia  fished  in  that  way  it  certainly  denoted  aa  amount  of  instinct  and  in 
telligence  that  they  never  had  credit  for.  I  should  like  to  have  invest!- 
.:  found  out  how  many  stones  had  to  be  thrown  to  kill  one  fish,  for 
ough  trout  we;  •  .-iiiful,  it  seemed  to  me  that  tl.e  noise  of  falling 

rocks  mui>:  Kv/c  frightened  il'e  finny  tribe,  but  perl-...  >crc  Attracted 

and  not  repelled  by  the  stones,  no  one  ever  fisr.inj-  the  rt/cams  in  those 
'.tout  were  not  as  timid  as  at  the  present  time,  when  every  one  is 
anxious  for  a  big  string. 

It  was  near  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  before  we  cached  our  old  camp 
ing-ground,  where  we  had  shot  the  prowling  mount,-.:  n  lion.  Our  horses 
recollected  the  spot  as  well  as  ourselves,  for  they  sncrtod  and  sniffed,  and 
were  uneasy  for  some  time,  evidently  i-oking  for  another  attack. 

We  concluded  to  camp  on  the  same  spot  as  of  old,  and  as  Juan  was  piq- 
letting  the  mules  and  hor~.es  where  the  grass  was  greenest,  by  the  side  of 
a  small  stream,  Lewey  s.r.1  I  took  our  fish  lines,  and  wandered  along  the 
banks  of  the  brook,  and  soon  had  a  nice  mess  of  handsome  trout,  and  while 
we  were  lli-is  engaged  Ji.;re  occurred  one  of  the  greatest  surprises  that  we 
hid  encountered  in  California,  i  had  taken  the  spade  along  for  the  pur 
pose  of  digging  some  worms  for  bait,  aad  while  I  was  replenishing  my  ex 
hausted  stock  so  that  we  could  do  a  little  fishing  early  in  the  morning  my 
shovel  struck  a  hard  substance,  and  I  threw  it  one  side  thinking  it  a  slonc, 
but  the  color  attracted  my  attention,  so  I  picked  up  what  I  thought  was  a 
peculiar  piece  of  quartz,  as  large  as  a  man's  hand,  and  so  heavy  that  I  was 
astonished  at  the  weight. 

"Lewey,"  I  said,  calling  to  my  friend  who  was  some  distance  from  me, 
•"  what  kind  of  stone  is  this  ?  If  looks  lik£  gold." 

The  French  lad  ran  toward  me,  and  as  I  tossed  him  the  nugget  his  eyes 
•expressed  the  astonishment  he  felt.  He  looked  it  all  over,  balanced  it  in 
his  hands,  from  one  to  the  other,  and  then  cried,  — 

41  Mon  dieu,  man  alive,  dat  is  gold,  and  de  best  of  its  kind.'* 

11  Are  you  sure  ?  "  I  asked,  almost  dazed  at  his  words. 

"Sure,  veil  I  should  dink  I  am  sure.  I  vonce  studied  de  mineralogy,  and 
I  knows  about  de  dings  of  de  earth.  Vy,  old  ami,  dat  little  piece  of  de 
precioas  stuff  is  vorth  all  of  two  dousand  dollars.  By  gracious  me,  but  ve 
has  found  a  gold  mine,  and  ve  is  rich  for  eber  and  eber.  Gib  me  dc  spade. 
Let  us  see  if  dar  is  much  like  him  round  here." 

lie  went  to  work  with  a  vim,  and  threw  the  loose  earth  lar  from  the 
c  where  I  had  dug  for  worms.  la  a  few  minutes  he  was  rewarded  for 


Lewey  and  L  39  * 

his  labor,  n  ,?t  cam 3  to  light  about  as  large  a 

and  then  ri  0  our  operations  for  the  night.     V. 

up  our  gold  ant!  eturned  to  camp,  but  consic 

to  inform  Juan  of  our  :  tune,  as  we  did  not  know  b'  ;ht  be 

induced  to  murder  u.,  \  i.ile  we  slept,  as  so  much  wealth  was  a  great  temp 
tation  to  a  poor  peon.  We  concea^cl  the  treasure  among  our  clothes  ia 
the  bags,  usi-.ic  the  letter  for  pillows  at  --light. 

As  one  m  t)ose  we  were  t:>o  excited  to  eit  01  sleep  much  that 

night,  but  we  smoked  many  pipes  of  tobacco  in  the  evening,  talked  over 
our  plans,  and  liow  we  would  remain  where  we  were  until  we  hn4  collected 
a  fortune,  if  the  gold  held  out.  \  did  slumber  we  started  up  at 

every  unusual  sound,  and  even  the  barking  of  the  coyotes  seemed  threat 2»v 
ing.  But  Juan  slept  on  undisturbed,  and  dreamed  of  being  at  last  lucky  at 
monte. 

At  daylight  we  were  n^r'n  at  work.    One  of  us  dug  over  t  *  gravel  down 
to  a  ledge,  and  the  other  fished,  but  :»o  more  nuggets  were  toun.',  w! 
thought  hard  luck.    Juan  war.ted  to  know  why  we  used  the  spade  so 

•n  that  we  had  come  across  some  peculiar-looking  quartz 
which  we  were  anxious  to  take  home  as  curiosities,  showing  him  a  lot  of 
pebbles  at  the  same  time.  H-e  though  it  a  simple  kind  of  mania,  and  only 
laughed  at  our  ideas  of  what  was  valuable.  To  get  rid  of  him  we  let  him 
take  one  of  our  rifles,  and  set  out  in  search  of  deer,  as  soon  as  breakfast 
was  over,  while  we  went  to  work  in  earnest,  and  found  several  small  nug 
gets  of  gold  in  the  course  of  the  forenoon,  but  they  were  not  larger  than 
English  walnuts. 

Juan  came  bnck  in  the  afternoon  with  a  small  deer  over  his  shoulder,  and 
roud  of  his  exploit.     We   had  venison  fdr  supper,  and  did  not  think 
re  likely  to  starve  for  the  want  of  food  as  long  as  game  and  fish  in 
1  easily  obtained,  were  close  at  hand. 

For  two  weeks  we  worked  our  bonanza,  and  then  seemed  to  have  ex 
hausted  the  pocket,  although  much  fine,  scale  gold  was  obtained.  We 
could  only  estimate  the  value  of  the  prize,  but  thought  that  there  could  not 
be  less  than  f.vo  hundred  pounds  in  weight,  all  pure  and  free  from  quartz. 
But  we  continued  to  di^  day  aftqr  day  in  the  hope  of  finding  more  wealth, 
and  when  we  were  disappointed  packed  Up  our  traps  and  moved  onward, 
happy  in  the  thought  thnt  we  were  rich  even  beyond  our  dreams. 

ft  was  near  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  when  we  reached 
owned  by  the  man  who  was  anxious   I  shoul  i   m.irry  his  <hughtrr  at  the 
time  we  passed  the  night  there,  on  our  journey  to  Los  Angeics.    The  place 


392  Lewey  and  /. 


lianged,  and  we  had  the  usual  gauntlet  of  questions  to  answer,  the 

same  escopeta  to  dodge  as  of  old.     But  when  the  Mexican  and  his  son  at 

last  recognized  us  we  were  made  welcome,  and  offered  the  best  in  the 

house.     I  saw  the  girl  who  was  so  anxious  for  a  husband,  and  she  save  me 

.leasant  smile  of  greeting,  but  did  not  rush  to  my  arms,  and^call  me 

blessed,  as  is  the  custom  now-a-days.     Besides,  there  was  a  strarge  ranche- 

ro  there,  a  fellow  we  had  never  before  seen,  and  he  seemed  a  little  familiar 

.  the  lady,  more  so  than  gooii  taste  would  warrant,  I  thought.     But  then 

.  ey  laughed  at  the  idea,  and  said  that  I  was  jealous. 

le  Juan  was  looking  to  the  mules  and  horses,  and  after  we  had  carried 
our  bags  of  treasure  to  the  shed,  the  Mexican  father  said  that  he  desired 
a  few  minutes'  conversation  with  me. 

"  You  know,"  he  said,  "  I  wished  you  to  marry  my  daughter?" 
"Yes,  there  was  some  talk  on  the  subject,"  I  answered  meekly. 
"  And  you  have  comtf  all  this  way  to  carry  out  the  plan  ?  " 
'.  have  thought  of  the  matter  many  times  since  we  parted,"  was  my 
.ve  reply. 
The  Mexican  appeared  a  little  embarassed,  but  at  length  freed  his  mind 

'.s  manner,  — 

"  The  fact  of  the  matter  is,"  he  remarked,  after  a  pause,  "  my  daughter 
has  done  bette*  *ba  i  if  she  waited  for  you.  She  is  already  married,  and 
that  r  nchert  is  f  <>r  husband.  I  am  sorry  for  your  disappointment,  but 
you  chouid  have  come  sooner." 

I  tried  to  look  the  dejection  that  I  did  not  feel,  and  said  that  it  was  un 
fortunate,  but  undoubtedly  all  for  tbe  best,  and  the  man  was  glad  I  did  not 

.:d  him  for  his  bad  faith. 

I  told  Lewey  of  my  narrow  escape,  and  he  said  I  might  have  expected  as 
,nuch,  No  wonrrn  would  ca/e,  he  thought,  to  wait  for  me  any  length  of 
timt. 

"  You  skall  see  ->o\v  faithful  my  littte  Florencia  is.     She  go  not  back  on 
ncber,"  and  .  srid  that  I  would  wait  and  test  his  confidence  in  woman- 
'.I.     It  appeared  ;c  me  that  we  were  having  hard  times  with  our  love  af- 
fairs  in  California.     /.•'  of  our  ventures  were  destined  to  end  in  disappoint 
ment  and  d;sas:er 

The  next  moaning  ve  !:.%imed  our  journey,  crossed  the  lo\v  rancrc  of 
-ded  the   ?a;i   Felipe  Creek,  then  camped  in  the  verv  place 

F  and  his  P     Hors.    Th 

•jlcsomc  guests  we  had 
0  the  :cyu'e:,  and  th-y  ma'!  misic  all  night,  but  did  not 


Lcwey  and  L 


venture  near  enough  to  sUal  from  our  larder,  fearing  the  fire  which  we  kept 
burning  to  keep  bears  r.t  a  distance. 

The  evening  of  the  fourth  day  from  our  gold  mine  we  galloped  up  to  the 
lonely  ranche,  where  we  had  stopped  the  first  night  from  San  Diego.    The 

-..is  sitting  in  his  patio  when  we  arrived,  and  near  him  vvrn 
.isome  daughter  and  faded  wife.    The  Mexican  was  much  surprised  tov 
us,  and  gave  us  a  cordial  welcome,  but  the  girl,  as  soon  as  she  sa\v 
jy,  entered  the  house  in  a  hurry,  and  did  not  again  appear  all  the  even* 
.     The  meeting  with  one  who  had  professed  to  love  her  a  few  months, 
bcfo;  , ;  Jently  too  much  for  the  young  lady's  nerves  and  presence  of 

i.     I  could  see  that  the  reception  nettled  my  friend,  but  I  said  not  a 
jn  supper  was  served,  to  which  we  contributed  coffee  and 

v  confidential  to  his  visitors. 

c  said,  "  is  a  little  modest  about  appearing  before  men  just 

c  was  married  a  few  months  since  to  our  neighbpring  ranchero, 

Tobias,  the  same  one  you  met  the  first  few  hours  out  from  San  DL-go.     He 

in,  and  will  make  her  a  good  husband.     Better  than  ei  iier  of 

!iome  on  a  visit,  or  you  might  have  missed  seeing  her.     For 

some  weeks  after  you  were  gone  she  could  talk  only  of  the  brave  gringos, 

but  the  sighs  of  the  ranchero  became  warm,  and  the  result  was  a  v.edding* 

They  arc  very  happy  together.     He  bears  the  same  name  as  myself,  and 

for  some  months  we  have  looked  upon   him  as  one  of  oui  family,  as  now 

he  is  in  reality." 

y  uttered  a  suppressed  groan,  and  said  that  he  ccuM  not  cat  much, 
supper,  but  smoked  a  good  deal,  and  we  went  to  bed  c 

s  we  rolled  ourselves  up  in  our  blankets,  "  wr.at 
.ibout  a  certain  girl  being  ever  constant  for  your  sake  ? 

me  to  sleep  go,"  was  the  answer  in  a  pettish  tone.    "  You  dink' 

ion't  you  ?" 

have  had  hard  luck  with  our  love*?,  and  perhaps  it  is  just  as  n-Jl, 
icliow.     If  we  had  ;  rfl  should  never  hive  found  a  fortune  \ 

pur  wives  as  we  have  in  mother  earth,"  I  remarked. 

The  only  answer  was  a  snore  and  .  1  I  let  my  French  iricn 

ilty  rest  for  the  ni. 

•  ere  off  at  an  early  hour  in  the  rrcrnin<r,  even  before  the  sin  wis  up. 
As  we  rode  out  of  the  patio  I  caught  ^  uri^f  glimpse  of  Horcncia  in  the 
doo:  mdcrc  1  if  she  thought  of  her  flirtation  nilh  my  fr:r 

and  how  icrruptec! 

led  them. 


394  Lewey  and  I. 


As  v. -e  stood  on  the  summit  of  the  hill  that  overlooked  the  valley,  ani 
jtianccci  at  the  lonely  adobe  ranche,  Lewey  relieved  his  pent-up  feelings  by 
asking,  — 

••  I  vender  if  dar  is  von  voman  in  all  dis  vorld  dat  true  is  to  man?  " 

44  There  is  still  one  more  chance,  my  friend,"  I  said.  "  You  can  now  fall 
oack  on  the  jailor's  daughter.  If  she  has  forgotten  you  then  I  am  willing 
to  believe  all  that  your  thoughts  imply." 

He  uttered  an  exclamation  of  disgust,  and  we  resumed  our  journey,  and 
it  forenoon  we  galloped  over  the  mesa  Jand>,  the  arid  sands,  and  at 
four  o'clock  sighted  the  sleepy  1'rttle  town  of  San  Diego,  just  as  the  people 
were  awakening  frorflf  their  usual  siesta.  The  first  person  we  saw  whom  we 
knew  was  Captain  Fitch.  He  could  hardly  realize  that  the  two  bronzed 
boys  in  Mexican  costume  were  the  ones  he  had  aided  some  months  before, 
and  had  returned  in  safety,  and  able  by  their  papers  to  pass  all  over  the 
country  without  question,  standing  high  in  the  estimation  of  General  Castro 
and  his  officers,  and  also  in  the  esteem  of  the  Americans  with  whom  we  had 
been  brought  in  contact. 

He  insisted  that  we  should  take  up  our  residence  at  his  house,  free  of  all 
expense,  until  a  vessel  sailed  from  the  port,  but  we  had  to  decline  the  offer 
on  account  of  Scoich  Jack,  whose  feelings  we  feared  would  be  hurt  if  we 
neglected  him  and  his  hide-house.  But  we  promised  to  visit  San  l)ico;o 
often,  and  then  requested  the  captain  to  place  in  his  safe  for  secure  keeping 
the  gold  coin  and  nuggets  we  owned.  If  he  was-  surprised  before,  the  sight 
of  so  much  wealth  was  a  greater  wonder  to  him.  He  was  anxious  to  learn 
*where  the  bonanza  was  located,  but  we  preferred  to  keep  the  place  a  secret, 
as  we  thought  f.:.t  we  could  ?cll  out  our  rights  for  a  handsome  sum,  and  we 
did,  for  Captain  Fitch  formed  a  company,  and  purchased  our  interest  for 
ten  thousand  dollars  in  gold,  and  the  organization  prospered  for  some  years 
after  peace  was  declared.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  General  Kearney  and 
•Commodore  Stockton,  with  their  combined  forces,  marched  from  San  Diego 
to  Los  Angeles,  and  camped  for  a  day  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains  where 
we  found  the  nuggets,  yet  nev;r  saw  so  much  as  the  color  of  gold.  One 
reason  is  they  never  looked  for  it,  or  supposed  that  the  precious  ore  was  in 
the  earth  beneath  their  feet. 

aw  o-ir  treasure  packed  a  vay  in  safety,  took  a  receipt  for  the  same-, 
and  then  promising  to  call  and  dine  the  next  day,  mounted  our  horses  io 
to  the  beach. 

Just  as  we  were  moving  off  the  jolly  red  face  of  Captain  Fitch  was  lighted 
up  with  a  smile  as  he  shouted  after  us,  — » 


Lcwey  and  I. 

::eed  not  1  -  >  come  up  to  the  town  at  any  time.    The 

:,  and  out  of  the  market." 

•  muttered  Lcwey.    "  Shall  vc  eber  hear  de  end  of  'em? 
o  v  .T.C  is  forgetfulness  of  all  de  holy  feelin's  of  de  na- 

';  was  bent  for  a  moment  upon  his  breast,  and  when 
\\as  a  smile  on  his  face  as  he  slid,  — 

I  glad  of  it.    The  fate  of  hand  is  ever  ober  us.    Vot  is  deir  gain  is 
our  loss.    Alons,  ve  vill  do  better  in  France.'* 

Jock  when  we  reached  the  hide-house.    The  harbor 
ir  of  shipping,  and  the  bay  looked  peaceful  and  slec ; 
der  the  s  .  an.     There  was  no  work  going  on  ashore,  and  Scotch 

;  sat  on  the  doorstep  of  his  hide-house  smoking  a  black  pipe,  the  same 
one  he  had  used  for  a  year  or  more.    As  we  drew  up,  the  old  sailor  merely 
cU  at  us,  and  asked,  — 

•i  bloody  thunder  does  you  greasers  want  here  ?  n 
;  him  a  question  in  Spanish,  but  he  waved  us  off  with  majestic 

-  Go  away  from  here,"  he  said.     "  We  can't  gam  together,  and  you 
'knows  it." 

k,  old  boy,  don't  you  recollect  our  hail?"  we  asked,  and  then  the 
ancient  salt  gave  a  yell  that  was  heard  all  over  the  beacb,  and  he  came  to- 
outstretched  hands,  his  hard  face  lighted  up  with  joy  at  our 
pected  return. 

For  a  few  minute^  he  could  not  speak  he  was  so  excited,  but  as  soon  as 
had  dismounted  and  entered  the  old  house  his  feelings  found  vent,  and 
v.ent  to  the  door  and  gave  a  yell  that  brought  all  the  members  of  the 
beach  gan^  to  the  door  to  see  what  the  matter  was. 

;  have  a  reception  tonight,  lads,"  Jack  cried.     "  Here,  you  kana 
ka,  take  thll  dollar,  and  trot  up  to  the  town  and  get  the  money's  worth  of 
-..irdicntc.     We  'II  have  a  ro.irin'  punch  by  and  by,  and  every  one  shall 
get  a  hir  share." 
•'But,  Jack,"  we  said,  "wch.n-e  returned  poor,  and   ca-'t  repay  tUe 

mo: 

nukes  no  hodds,  lads.     I  has  some  pesos,  and  you  s'u'l  thai 
me  to  the  last  roal.     Here  is  your  home,  and  here  you  -.  tt.     EUnk 

that  kanaka,  why  don't  he  move  ?    A 

There  had  b?er.  l.-st  ! 
brisk.    We  were  gladly  welcom 
but  after  we  had  taken  poss-ssbn  of^ur  bunk?,  and  stowed  our  traps  a 


39^"  Lewey  and  /. 


secured  and  fed  cur  lorses,  supper  was  prepared,  and  over  our  pipes  we 
told  «o  an  admiring  cro'vd  all  our  adventures.  I  am  sorry  to  state  thzt  the 
kanaka  did  not  return  with  the  rum  that  evening,  as  he  sampled  it  en  the 
way,  and  goi  very  drji  k,  for  which  we  shduld  have  rejoiced,  as  w -;  were 
very  tired,  and  needed  rest  j.ore  than  a  reception,  had  not  Jack  been  so 
disappointed  in  hi*  aUempts  z.t  hospitality. 

We  found  c-jr  chests  and  clothes  undisturbed.  Our  shipmate  had  taken 
good  care  of  them,  teven  if  he  had  not  expected  to  see  us  a:rain.  The  war 
had  not  troubled  the  people  at  the  hide-house,  and  the  few  vessels  on  the 
coast,  engaged  in  Meeting  queros,  came  and  went  undisturbed  by  the 
Mexican,  authorities.  Some  parties  had  spiked  the  guns  in  the  little  presi 
dio  at  Ballast  Point,  and  the  damages  had  never  been  repaired,  so  there, 
was  clear  sailing  ia  and  out  of  the  handsome  bay. 

At  breakfast  Jack  was  very  anxious  to  know  if  we  were  married,  and 
when  informed  that  our  love  venture  had  not  been  a  success  his  gratifica 
tion  was  great,  and  he  begged  us  to  r?e?ember  the  advice  he  had  given 
some  time  before. 

In  the  afternoon  we  mustered  enough  good  clothes  to  dress  in  proper 
costume,  and  rode  to  town  to  dine  with  Captain  Fitch.  Here  we  met  the 
old  alcalda,  submitted  to  him  our  papers  from  General  Castro,  and  lie  was 
pleased  to  say  that  we  had  nothing  to  fear  from  any  one.  It  was  after  din- 
net  that  we  made  a  bargain  wkh  our  host  and  some  other  Americans, 
whereby  we  sold  our  bonanza  to  them  for  the  neat  little  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars,  all  in  go\d  doubicons,  which  added  to  the  amount  we  had  on  hand, 
made  quite  a  respectable  fortune  for  us.  Ours  was  the  first  prolific  mine 
ever  discovered  in  California,  but  the  find  was  kept  secret  for  years,  for 
tear  of  robbery  and  violence.  Only  a  few  men  worked  the  placer,  a*nd  those 
at  odd  spells  to  escape  observation,  A  large  amount  of  gold,  coarse  and 
nuggets,  was  taken  out,  and  Captain  Fitch  was  made  very  rich  byihe  mine, 
as  well  as  those  who  joined  him  in  the  enterprise. 

After  dinner  we  walked  to  the  calabozo,  and  looked  over  the  place  where 
we  were  imprisoned  £or  a  day  or  two.  V/e  saw  the  jailor's  daughter,  and 
although  she  was  not  overpowered  with  joy  at  the  sight  of  our  faces,  she 
did  manage  to  blush  a  little  as  she  presented  us  to  her  husband.  We  gave, 
her  an  ounce  of  gold,  and  the  act  woo  her  thanks  even  if  it  did  rot  her 
heart. 

We  kept  Juan  in  our  employ  to  look  after  the  horses  and  wait  upon  us, 
and  one  day  we  disclosed  to  Jack  that  we  were  not  as  poor  as  we  seemed, 
and  the  old  salt  was  rejoiced  at  tfet  fofcratt^ga,  but,  when  we  ;-r»v30_scd  to 


,/  /.  69? 


give  a  feast  to  all  of  our  old  fricndo  on  the  beach,  ?nd  made  our  Shipmate 

•president  of  the  day,  with  orders  to  get  up  the  best  dinner  that  money 

could  buy,  Jack  was  in  paradise.    He  calculated  that  half  a  barrel  of  aguar- 

:-.il  the  bill,  and  thafc.    cry  little  n;cat  and  pite  bread  would  be 

.dent  for  a  regular  blow  out,  such  as  sailors  enjoy.     But  v  e  vowed  that 

(\ve  would  not  have  any  drunkea  rioting  going  on,  and  Jack  was  forced  to 

:nit  to  cold  punch,  and  not  very  strong  at  that. 

The  dinner  was  served  in  our  hide-house,  all  the  tables  and  tiu  ware  on 
the  beach  being  pressed  into  use  for  the  occasion,  and  every  cock  volun- 
s  services.    We  bought  all  the  luxiries  we  could  at  San  Diego, 
fruit  and  fresh  meats,  and  invited  Captaia  Fitch,  the  alcalua,  and  all  the 
i^n  residents  to  CDiae  down  and  share  tn  tec  least.    They  accepted  the 
invitation,  and  it  «r£5  something  worth  seeing  to  notice  Jack,  with  Lcwey 
and  I  on  nrul  left,  presiding.     Ho  made  a  speech,  and  it  was  a  re- 

Hc  Hoped  the  greasers  woulj  get  licked  in  the  war,  which 
,  not  ir*  gin.!  ;>£*£,  as  Mexicans  were  present,  but  as'  they  did  not  un 
hand  a  w  > 3  said  it  did   not  matter  niucii.    Lewcyand  I  re- 
spondee!  to  the  toasts  complimentary  to  ourselves,  and  just  ?s  the  fun  grew 
fast  and  a  little  uproarious  we  heard  the  sound  of  a  heavy  gun  off  Point 
Lonu,  and  rushmg  out  .to  see  what  it  was  dl  about,  beheld  a  fleet  cf 
ted  States  ships  cnte.ing  the  harbor,  one  of  them  flying  the  pennant  of 
a  commodore. 

41  Diablo,"  muttered  the  Mcxfcans,  and  mounting  their  horses  ro 
Sar  >  fast  as  spurs  could  "urge  their  steeds,  while  Scotc>.  Jack 

led  up  the  old  muskets,  and  fired  volley  after  volley  as  a  welcome  to  the 
ors.  'Tb?n  feeling  tfred  with  his  exertions  went  back  to  the  fcnst,  and 
.  the  aid  01  companions  finished  the  puncli,  stretched  himself  cu  a  chest,' 
Itll  asleep,  and  did  not  awaken  until  the  fiext  moraine;,  so  thirsty  that  :' 

.ir  of  a  water  famine  for  a  day  or  two. 
The  ships  came  to  anchor  in  a  grand  and  seaman-like  manner,  and  then 

sent  on  shore  to  learn  the  news.     Lcwey 

to  the  beach,  and  encountered  a  lieutcnaYU,  ami  as  we  were  dressed  in  civil- 

Y clothes,  and  no  longer  wore  the  garb  of  r  very 

and  requested  to  go  on  board  and  submit  to  an  interview  on  the 

part  of  Commodore  Stockton,  who  was  anxious  to  see  us,  or  Any  one  else, 

if  informal"  JM  could  bc^obtaincd. 

We  had  no  objection,  and  found  the  commodore  a  pteisant  man,  a  little 
Lit  on  1.  .as  one  would  naturally  suppose.     He  was  quite  pleased 

Mien!:.  .  iat  we  h.v  ..,cdirom  Ics,  and 


393  Lewey  and  /. 

ticular  in  his  inquiries  as  to  the  route,  ana  !:ry  could  be  t: 

ported  through  the  canyons  and  £or£«,  over  the  mountains  and  sand/ 

plains.    We  said  that  there  were  no  very  formidable  obstacles  to  overcome,1 

and  then  he  hinted  that  he  vould  give  us  commissions  a  midship- 

men  if  v-e  would  join  his  vesceJ,  and  serve  as  guid.  ie   t»  ails  to  the 

Pueblo.     But  this  \ve  positively  declined,  on  the  ground  that  we  \  ad  taken 

cf  neutrality,  and  would  not  violate  our  vows,  relating  t.  e  circum- 

ces  of  our  enlisting  \:i  the  Mexican  army.     He  listened  very  attentive- 

)  all  ;ve  had  ;o  say,  .  e  mentioned  our  hopes 

cC  marriage.     However,  wo  recpmmer, .ded  Ju.aa  as  a  guide,  and  the  peon 

was  er.gaged  at  once,  at  a  salary  so  large  that  he  played  monte  Tor  a  week 

re  his  first  month's  wages  were  exhausted. 

Th3  commodore  was  here  joined  by  Genera"  i. \-arir.  and  i  c  >mpany  of 

Waited  States  dragoons,  having  marched  oven-ma      Tren  commenced  the 

formation  of  a  force  that  was  destined  to  end  the  war  in  California.    The 

•j  furnishecVSvc  hundred  Bailors  and  marines,  and  six  pieces  of  artillery, 

"3  advance  en  Lcs  Angeles,  ard  let  me  here  state  that  the    Americans 

I   the  Mexicans  at  the  Rio  San  Gabrie',  ab-ut  one   hundred  ;  ad  twenty 

-go,  on  the  nth  of  January,  1847,  won  a  bat.le,  and  en- 

B  Pueblo  in  triumph.     General  Flores  and  his  cavalry  fl'd,  fell  into 

\he  uond.*  of   Colonel  Frcirrr.t,jocar  San  Fernanc  \  ir.d  •!  it  \  is  the  end 

r.tro  rrsy  between  the  naval  co.nmodores, 

General  Kearney  and  Colonel  Fremont.  Thire  -.^c.- 1  constant  quarrels/ 
uncalled  for  an-i  unseemly,  but  that  is  a  matter  ot  history  o»i  record,  and 
docc  rot  eoncen  my  yarn,  so  I  shall  not  espouse  ciihei  side,  lor  it  would 
help  no  one  at  this  late  day. 

While  the  expedition  was  fiiting  out  there  was  such  auemand  for  good 
horses  that  Commodore  Stockton  offered  us  three  hundred  dolurs  each  for 
our  animals  and  equipments.  It  cost  us  *  bitter  pang  to  part  from  t\vo 
such  noble  maslan^s,  but  we  could  tot  use  them  any  longer,  or  carry  them 
with  us,  so  accepted  the  raoney,  and  Ju^c  was  continued  in  charge  of  the 
steeds  until  Los  Angeles  was  reached. 

While  the  preparations  were  going  on  the  schooner  dlL'ornia  drifted  in 
to  the  harbor,  on  her  way  to  Mazatland,  with  a  few  Mexicans  v/ho  had  ob-' 
tained  permission  to  leave  the  country,  and  stop  at  the  latter  port,  then  in 
possession  of  the  Americans.  Captain  Coopc?  was  flying  the  United  States 
Hag,  and  had  a  pass  from  the  commodore  to  exempt  his  vessel  from  capture; 
5n  case  some  of  our  national  ships  might  overhaul  him  on  the  ocean.  We 
suggested  to  Captain  Cooper  that  .we  should  like  to  take  passage  with  him, 


Lewey  and  T. 


me  from  Mazatland  quicker  than  from  Califor- 

1  for  Boston,  or  any  other  port.    The 
his  lor.  :i  said  he  shouli  be  delighted  tD  have  us 

forc  -etJSare  -?uld  stand  his  watch. 

for  hc  w,  op  awake  nights.    Hut  he  added 

lhat  we  ,,  om  Commodore  Stockton,  as  he  ' 

running  mailers  to  -If  in  a"  t^in^s  appertaining  to  California 

the  schooner.     We  waited  on  the  naval  officer,  and  stated  what  we  dcs:. 
and  he  did  not  hc-itate  a  moment  <o  grant  our  request,  at  the  same  time 
t  that  we  should  do  much  better  by  remaining  with  him, 
and  accepting  positions  that  t.e  thought  the  sccictary  of  tl  uld 

confirm  upon  his  recommendations.     But  v:e  once  more  declined  the  tempt- 

:ne  time  thanking  the  commodore  for  his  kindness. 
Ve  had  some  small  boxes  made,  marked  them  <c  minerals,",  and  p 

...  au  our  r.  )  ore  but  Captain  Fitch   uncwing  their,  trut  value, 

for  uold  w.:s  a'most  un:.  '^ive  state,  except  a  little  dus*  at  Los 

Angeles,  in  those  days.     The  boxes  we  shipped  on  board  rmer,  put 

:n  out  of  sight,  and  the  day  the  armed  expedition  ' started 
old  Califon/a  sailed  for  the  lower  part  of  the  coast. 

There  were  only  six   Mcxirar.  passengers,  ladies  and  gentlcrr 

!y  located.     We  took  a    kind  farewell  of  all  oui  fric 
left  in  Captain  Fitch's  hands  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  for  the  benefit 
of  Scotch  Jack,  and  when  we  told  him  what  we  had  done  the  honest  old  tar 
shed  tears,  and  jworc  that  he  would  not  take  the  money,  but  thong'it  better 
of  it  after  a  while,  ac-*c;  -csent,  and  much  good  it  did  him  in 

old  he  needed  a  shot  in  the  locker. 

,c  California  drifted  oat  past  Ballast  Point  Jack  and  some  of  the  peo- 
on  the  b-j->-:h  fired  iruskets  as  a  salute,  and  Lewcy  and  I 
fiUIljfcl  ^yL^rff--^1* ftrtft1-'*f*nr'v1  the  compliment  by  three 
ies  of  Darks,  and  the  last  we  saw  of  San  Diego  Bay  the  sailors  and  ma- 
:conthc  : he  hide-house  people  were  drinking  our  health 

Scotchman  was  straini:  -?s  to  get  the 

.ce  he  ever  had  cf  his  two  >t)ung  sh'rpmates  to  whom  he  had  acted  a 
itbt. 

is  we  cleared  Point  Lon          ' 

thick  kelp,  with  a  strong  r.  .  "  I  did  n't  sleep 

K'-cp  the  old  craft  moving  on  about  a  southwest  by  south  cc 

.!  clear  cv  iiitle 

5.    I  '11  turn  ia  for  a  nap.     Call  me  if  there  is  anything  strange- 


400  Lewey  and  L 


and  new,  and  oo»  unless  there  is.  There  are  some  islands  o'X  the  coast, 
and  our  course  brings  us  near  them.  Keep  /our  eyes  peeled,  ar-l  u'on't  rua 
over  them,  for  there  is  room  enougt  for  all  of  us." 

And  ihe  old  gentleman  tumbled  into  his  berth,  all  standing,  and  d:d  not 
\vake  up  until  the  next  forenoon,  when  he  declared  that  he  felt  like  a  new 

ty-four  hours  of  solid  sleep. 

not  think  that  in  all  California  there -was  a  kinder  hearted  man  than 
-per,  h:e  Mexicanizcd  American.  It  \\^s  related  of  him  thai  at 
one  time  he  employed  a  greastr  to  look  after  onj  of  his  ranches,  and  the 
fellow  'old  most  of  the  cattle,  and  put  the  money  on  th.?  wrong  card  at 
monte.  Captain  Cooper  had  the  Mexican  arrested,  he  was  tried  and  con 
victed,  and  sentenced  to  six  mo-iths  in  a  ch:-in-gang.  When  his  time  ex 
pired  he  called  upor;  his  old  employer  and  askeo  for  a:d,  with  all  the  assur 
ance  of  a  be*T<!-. •'* 

i  a  real,"  roarrd  the  admiral. 

0  I  am  poor,  and  in  need  of  clothes,"  pleaded  the  Mexican  greuifr,  and 
ii  Cooper  did  n't  take  the  rascal  home,  fit  him  out  with  a  complete  dress, 
gave  him  five  silver  dollars,  and  ended  by  once  more  putting  the  half-breed 
back  on  the  fr.m,  wher.-.  he  i^ain  sfc!e  cattle,  as  a  matter  of  course. 
This  is  hut  «  iambic  of  the  generosity  of  the  old  salt,  and  yet  I  think  he 
<iied  quite  well  off  in  the  State  of  his  adoption  ^o.ue  years  since. 

Lewey  p-'.u  I  sto<d  watch  2~.c,  watch,  fcr  there  \?ere  no  first  or  second  of 
ficers  on  boii-o,  and  the  sailers  obeyed  our  orders  if  they  felt  like  it,  anr!  re 
fused  if  they  did  not.  However,  we  hit  on  a  plan  that  secured  fespect  and 
prompt  obedience.  Tr  •* •:  were  several  casks  of  aguardiente  among  the 
cargo,  and  we  pumr^J  cat  OP*  or  two  buckets  full  a  week,  bottled  it,  and 
then  promised  in*  .  »--n  liberal  tots  of  grog  at  the  end  of  the  watch  if  they 
would  S:eep  a  good  lookout  ahead,  and  make  and  take  in  sail  quickly,  The 
temptation  wzs  so  grea>  that  we  had  no  more  trouble  on  the  voyage,  the 
fear  of  not  cutting  the  1  quor  prompting  the  sailors  to  be  active  and 
vigilant, 

We  kept  c!ead  reckoning'all  the  way,  yet  once  in  a  while  the  captain 
vrould  take  a  noon  observation,  then  cat  his  dinner,  and  have  r.  sicsM., again 
retiring  quietly  at  eight  bells  in  the  evening,  and  although  the  'vi,-vJ  might 
blow,  and  the  vessel  roll,  and  the  sails  slap,  the  okl  man  never  los*.  ^r  hour's 
sleep,  for  there  was  no  waking  him  up  until  morning. 

In  the  meantime  Lewey  and  I  enjoyed  ourrelvjs  with  the  Udy  and  gentle 
men  passengers  as  soon  as  they  £ot  on  their  sea-legs.  W  t  and 
hear  them  converse  for  an  hour  at  a  time,  acd  while  they  were 


Leivey  and  L  401 


enough  toriislik 

to  admit  that  C 

;incl  increase  in  popuirtion  much  faster 
could  hcpt  for. 

three  weeks  running  down  to  Maratland,  ar  a  serious 

disaster.    There  were  several  of  our  national  ships  lying  there,  the  tow:: 
being  in  possession  of   the   Americans.      We    vere   boarded  bef* 
dropp-  ,  but  the  piss  of  Commodore  Stockton  was  respected,  so 

we  entered  ;:!ir  inner  harbor,  *-'bcrc  we  were  secure  from  southwestc; 
foun<3  ojnelvrs  dcse  to  the  to\vn,  and  the  United  State:-  flag  floating  over 
all  the  public  b'.'-lciings  and  presio'i^. 

The  :  T^twey  and  I  went  on  srore  for  a 

many  men-of-war';;  men  and  marines  encountered,  none  too  sober,  that  we 
did  not  care  to  remain  but   :  short  time.     We  .earned  that  there  was  an 
English  clipper  bark,  the  Helena,  cf.  London,   Captain   Henry  Th 
lying  in  the  outer  haib-^r,  ail  loadcu,  ono   ready  t^  £.r 
England.     By  some  iv.eir.s  the  crmittcd  l.y  the  ,-,r.val  r 

ties  to  take  -.  of  logw.  .tc  of  M.~ 

How  ii  was  acccmpl  .  vcr  kr.ew,  but  suppose  through  f. 

Just  as  we  were  ready  to  return  \o  our  vessel  Captain  T'norr. 
large,  fi  .:*.  gentlemanly  person  came  to  tio  landing,  in  company 

of  tScVhooner  CaHfornia.  HTe  wer:  intr  ,  juced,  :. 
quested  the  piivilege  of  taking  passage  in  'he  Helena  for  London,  t!  • 
expeditions  manner  of  returning  home  ,ey  and  myself.  C 

Thornton  invited  us  to  go  oo  b«t  d  c-ith  him,  and  see  wh'?  accommoda- 
(ions  '  t)itr  they  ^c-k'  ,i.  i  US.     \  'e  did  so,  (  Joop^l 

.     While  being  pulled  to    the  vessel 

cs  of  the  bo/k,  Captain  Cooper  .was  pleasec  to  say  so  mar. 
words  in   our  behatf  that   Captain    Thornton   became  quite  affa'j'e,  aad 

:  certainly  go  with  him  if  re  wcrt  satisfied  wit!, 

rooms  as  he  xras  able  to  place  at  our  disposal,  and  even  consented  to  take 
Jack,  the  c!  t  extra  charge,  as  he  liked  :s  our- 

sclv 

The  Helena  «ras  only  about  six  h  :s  burden,  and 

a  model  as  tht  Admittance,  but  she  carried  more  men,  a  crew  of  thorough 
1   four  apprf  ntires,  one  c.f  the  biter  brjnj;  the  only  son  of  the 
owner  of  the  vesst,  ';e  the  rest  of  ;he  lads,  co 

better  a.-vJ  no  worse,  5nd  did  not  presume  to  put  on  airs  t 
OQ  account  of  his  parent's  wealth. 


402  Lewey  and  L 


We  foun-;  vo  lafee;  vacant  staterooms,  much  letter  than 

we  hoped  for,  an 'I  vrhiie  supping  \viili  CapUin   Th  \    to   his 

terms  for  pr»<-.  \j  t.vo  hundred 'dollars  each,  \v\i\r\i  W3S  qLMU«  reason- 

al'i  :.•  thought  ourselves  lucky  to  secure  such  quarte;?.    We  had 

money  enough  10  afford  luxu.ics,  and  had  no  :  >r.  -A  'ic'.i-.j.'  ica.nii's  duty 
whih  homeward  bound. 

(.lay  we  tia.isfeired  our  luggage  and  boxes  of  m'l^ra!^  :q,the 
Hcleni,  stowed  everything  out  of  sight  so  as  not  to  excite  commert,  went. 
on  shore  and  paid  our  passage  mono/  to  the  consigner?,  purchased  a  sup 
ply  of  cigars,  tobacco,  and  other  luxuries  lhat  would  prove  acceptably  and 
the  folio. ving  day  the  Helena  up  anchor,  and  we  stood  to  the  .*•  with 

a  fresh  I  id  th.  .jorfhwest,  and  the  best  wishes  ol  «ii  the  naval  of 

ficers  we  had  met.  Captain  Cooper  remained  or.  boird  unl  1  &c  !^t  mo 
ment,  and  then  bit  his  maimed  hand,  anJ  bade  us  ^Go:i-b>.  We  ie;":r  saw 
the  gallant  old  gentleman  asV. ..  He  d;ed  in  California  some  ye? -sago, 
respected  and  loved  by  all  who  knew  him. 

I  have  not  the  space  to  relate  many  incidcn.o  .  -I  our  •  . vyage  h..me.  It 
was  a  la?v  life  lewey  *nd  I  led,  with  nothing  to  ^2.  able  ID  sieep  ac  night,, 
and  not  obliged  to  turn  v»*t  to  >  2-:f  t:  vr-aiL  r;  furl  them.  V."^  h?-I  a  good 
crew,  nice  mates,  and  c.  very  di.jnlil.-c  anu  jolly  cr.  jt^'n.  That  is,  he 
was  clever  and  kind,  but  knew  his  position  and  maintained  it.  e/::epton 
S?.lurdi.y  eights,  when  he  threw  off  his  rfiscrvc,  r.n]  rver  a  Lewi  of  punch 
told  stories,  s?.".»  son^c.  toast--"!  ^wee-iitartv  aid  wives,  and  poked  fan 
Le«vey  inri  .nyse.i  b'jcaus;  N^  were  French  and  Yanke:  V-*L  c'd  not 
drink  as  rr.uch  as  suited  his  ideas  of  a  jolly  time,  but  the  master  couU  take 
portion  and  never  grumble,  so  wa  go*  abng  v<rry  well.  On  fct/ss  vessel 
;  was  served  out  to  the  rnen  at  eight  l.fils  (noon)  every  day,  and  a  .i 
tot  was  also  given  cv«-ry  time  topsails  were  reefed.  To  keep  iron?  rusting 
once  "n  a  while  Lewey  and  I  would  lend  a  hand  in  tp.Ling  in  sail  off  Cape 
Hor;),  «.nd  thrn  ii-sist  that  we  were  entitled  to  c;lice  the  mainbriice  like  the 
rest  TLj  steward  always  allowed  our  cbim,  and  wf  y/ould  pass  the  liq 
nc  of  the  old  men-cf-ua/'c  ucn,  much  to  their  delight 

On  the  v/hoie  it  was;  a  pleasant  passive.     \Ve  had  the  usca)  amount  c: 
rougii  ?.nd  col'.l  veathcr  off  Cape  Horn,  but  there  was  ;-.  the 

cabin,  so  we  diii  not  mind  it  much.     Our  vessel  was  fast,  t!ie  wihJ  i 
ble,  and  we  soon  left  tl  c  Pacific  Ocean,  cnter^i  :',-•••   A*i 
north,  and  on  the  first  cky  of  Jutv  I  Lnd,  took  a  pilot,  ar.d 

arriTcd  at  t"»c  entrance  gate  ot  London  L>o.k  thrtc-  dj.y.=?  a.i'crwitd. 

Lewey '.and  I  found  modest  but  cc  igs  pear  Mile  End,  and 


Lewey  and  f.  403 


as  soc:  '  sold  our  gold  for  just  ten  thousand  five  hundred 

.  came  tc  exchange  all  of  our  fun,'.  .loney 

dollars  each,  n 
.  :cj  in  life,  v/iih  but 
could 

Then  \.z.mc  up  a  serious  question.     We  had  tried  not  to  t'. 
ject,  and  as  just  often  as  it  disturbed  our  minds  we  had  pushed  UK 
torn  one  side      Ft  was  thir  —how  soon  befor*  Lcwcy  and  I  Q 
knew  i  i  go*,  fj  separate,  but  each  dread e 

and  so  we  would  think  of  past  adventures,  sigh,  an  : 
walk,  '  the  sights  of  London,  w!.ich  we  saw  for  the  first  time,  and. 

under  favorable  auspices,  for  Captain  Thornton  was  our  guide  and  council- 

his  r.dvice  that  we  deposited  our 
safe  bank,  so  that  v.e  could  not  be  deprived  01  it  i 

"  Lewey,"  I  r.c'.-ec!  ont  d.ty  "  when  are  you  going  home  ?  '' 

;i  you  goc-  \\&  ~.ie,  not  afore,"  was  fhe  -•  jn  him  all 

I  mi^ht  that  was  the  only  reply  I  receive:!. 
I  reasoned  with  my  friend,  I  talked  to  hii  i  ta.r. 

oclcss  'm,  and  so  at  last  I  consented  to  pay  a  visit  to  Havre- 

de-Gracc,  and  see  his  father  and  mother/-  Then  I  wrote  a  ! 
guardian  ind  friends  in   I3osfon,  the  firr*.  for  more  t  ir,  and  one 

morniiig  Lewey  and  i  took  the  steamer,  and  1  h'rench  soil. 

Lewc}  was  not  enthusiastic  as  he  stepped  or*  shore.     He  seemed  a  litll; 
dazed,  dt-.ccted,  and  i   think  wished  himself  once  more  in  California,  care 
less  and  fr.  .rj  have  such  feelings,  especially  those  who  \\a:; 
over  1                     the  globe,  and  cooic  home  for  a  wclcon.e,  yet  dread  to 
meet  it  for  some  unaccountable  reason,  and  the'ocnsc 
jccti                        -ar  off  for  sereral  days. 

"Thoin,"  said  Lewey,  as  we  walked  up  the  dock  toward  a  corlee-nousc, 
part  dink  of  me  a.-,  ve  vere  ven  boys  together,  full  of  vigor  and 
dc  true  frirr/Jship  vot  skall  neber  die  in  mJoe  heart.     Remember  di 
al  de  <"  ra  you  vai  homesick  and  shed  de  tears,  and  I 
takes  your  volch,  and  hums  de  song  to  make  you  dink  I  •- 

>er  don  you,  and  r.  3re  like  dc  crying  den  on  cat 

and  I  \ish  ve  vas  hock  a^in,  .->nd  if  )ou  say  de  vord  ve  \, 
o^  me  no  more." 

••>  a  cate  and  called  for  some  coffee  and  a  IK 
re,  and  there   I  talked  to  my  friend  for  an  hour  or  more  < 
of  returning  to  California,  and  by  the  time  f  had  concluded  \\e  wtre  t 


404  Lewey  and  7. 


tears,  and  Lcwey  bid  made  up  his  mind  to  go  and  see  his   parents.    They 
lived  a  short  distance  culside  of  the  city,  an«'  .  voitusc  he  left  me, 

promising  Co  return  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  waited  for  him  until  neatly  c! ••,:":,-,  p;'s:!n;,  in*-,  best  way  that  I 

could,  for  it  was  dull  work  for  LI-:-.     Ther,  he  cr  ":e  Sp.  corrp^cy  xvilh  a  tall, 
white-haired  gentleman,  v/ho  bj.  bis  leoks  *  knev,  was  Lcwey'^  father. 

*•!  tas  a  surprise ,v  -iy  friend  said, 4/ and  icarly  kill  de  muddcr  and  de 
sister,  s;ch  a  pretty  gir),  and  vill  do  just  for  you,  and  u  yvvi  vil!  fall  in  love 
and  marry  her,  I  happy  can  be." 

"'Speak  French,  Louis,"  said  th"e  father.  "  Remember  I  am  not  an  Eng 
lish  rch;,'lrr  i\c^  you  and  your  companion." 

s  glad  the  gentlewin  did  not  u^'-e  -stand  >ny  irlond,  for  .bis  speech 
pia-ie  me  blush,  it  being  tJje  first  intimation  I  had  received  from  Lcwey  that 
he  owned  a  sister.  In  fact  she  was  so  small  when  he  left  home  for  a  wao- 
•tiering  life  that  he  had  not  considered  her  of  the  slightes'.  consequence,  but 
now,  when  he  returned,  and  saw  what  a  beautiful  girl  she  was,  1  e  began  to 
£eel  proud  of  her. 

era1  Arten?.ti:>,  my  fr'°r.d'5  Oilier,  a  soldier  \vl::  •lom.nanded  one  of 
the  forts  ot  the  city,  gave  me  a  cordial  welcom.-,  and  an  invitation  to  take 
up  my  residence  at  his  chateau,  three  miles  from  the  town,  and  on  a  bluff 
that  overlooked  the  ccean  and  English  Channel.  As  the  request  was  not 
one  of  courtesy  alone,  but  sincere  in  every  respect,  1  complied.  Jack  and 
I  entered  the  carriage,  a  porter  look'ig  jfter  our  lu^gp.ge,  and  we  were 
soon  at  the  house,  one  of  the  most  imposing  and  c  *.c?us  that  I  saw 

on  the  road. 

General  Artenato  had  so  many  questions  to  ask  the  son  about  his  travels, 
that  I  rlid  not  interrupt  their  conversation.  It  v>*zz  evident  that  the  wan 
dering  sailor  boy  had  b^en  forgiven,  and  ec<_<  ntricittes  fo/gotten.  lie  had 
suffered  enough  hardships  without  now  being  taken  ij  lisk  for  his  folly. 
Lewcy  had  spoken  of  me  in  terms  of  praise,  I  could  :  ,  the  defer 

ence  with  which  his  fa'hir  treated  me,  and  his  should  feel 

quite  at  my  case  in  hL  d:^nitkc!  presence,  but  v:l»cn  I  was  presented  to  the 
;litei,ancl  the  for:..  .1   my  neck  and 

I  me,  I  knew  that  she  was  labor!  I  had 

.  an^el  to  her  boy,  ai  ife  and 

good  throu.  .<!  I  did  not 

deem  it  jdst  seventeen 

f  age,  reccnl' ,  t  school,  gave  ire  her  hand  in 

the  most  confiding  maaiicr,  arid  I!K.  idoess,  but  s:iU  she 


and  7.  405 


did  ,K  •  .cc  to  sec  what  Lind  of  roan  her 

she  raised  her  dark  eyes  they  met  ny 

glance  of  a  '  I  flushed,  and  acted  more  like  a  school-boy 

than  a  seer,  so  mrc!>.  orld.     This  exhib:' 

mode?-  :;glued  Lewey  that  he  laughed,  arid  said,  j 

to  his  relatives  in  Frenc' 

friend   under  all  kinds  of  difficulties,  as  he 

danced  -'  senoritas, '.'her  he  pretended  to  save  the  lives  of 

young  giJs,  and  den  i:  trouble,  but  this 

•haf  2  ever  knrw  him  to  blush,"  rn-i  the.i  he  laughed,  and  his 
mother  eluded  him*  for  his  rudeness,  -vhile  the  young  lady  walked  to  the 
windo  cd  out  upon  the  sea,  and  probably  wondered  why  sailors 

werc  .;  of  tlieir  reputations,  and  bold  toward  women.    The  r.ener- 

al  did  not  appear  to  think  that  a  few  kisses  were  of  much  accent,  for  like 
a  real  Frenchman  he  asked,  — 

:'jl?* 

«  Bo  '  echoed  T.  r^7v  "They  arc  the  haridso,Y>,sl  women  in  the 

world,  ccepting  my  mother  and  sister.    Why,  we  were  near  marry- 

ladles,  whose  eyes  were  blaclc  as  midnight,  and  hair  trailed 
, 

•..->  return  home  kept  us  ( 

LC-A  ;  eared  to  r  she 

left  t!  °nt,  and   I  was  glad  of  it,  if  my  friend  VMS  (0  continue  the 

convcrrction  in  the  same  strain. 

to  my  room,  made  'i;Ie  I 

Lewey  joined  me. 

old  friend,"  he  asked,  "vet  dees  you  dink  of  d.it   sister  of 
min: 

Ho  B  English  to  me  when  i 

more  convenient,  and  lr 
better  thin  his  French. 

"Sh-:  is  very  handsome,"  I  sail,  and  that  appeared  to  much 

pleasure. 

dat  chc  is  good  as  *he  is  booful.    Now  if  you 
prcat  fool  y  u  cr.a  m.irry  her,  and  dcr. 
No  more  \  .  no  more  sea  life,  and  vid  money  ftcou 

,  desire?" 

-,  moment  •  'I  rang,  and  we  w- 

and  I  had  • 


406  Lewey,  and  I. 


and  sat  by  her  side  all  through  the  dinner.  She  was  a  little  shy  of  me  at 
first,  but  when  she  did  find  courage  the  questions  came  from  her  mouth 
quite  as  fast  as  I  could  answer  them.  I  told  her  all  about  Lewey's  friend 
ship,  how  we  had  clung  to  each  other  for  more  thar»  four  years,  our  advenv 
tures  in  California,  the  persecutions  we  had  endured  at  the  hands  of  Anto 
nio  Sanchcs  and  his  brothers,  the  battles  we  had  witnessed  and  participated 
in,  the  wild  Indians  we  had  killed,  the  ladies  whose  lives  we  had  saved  at 
the  risk  of  our  own,  but  not  one  word  of  the  love-making  or  kissing  her 
brother  had  alluded  to. 

In  fact  I  became  so  eloquent  .under  the  influence  of  a  single  glass  of 
champagne  that  I  forgot  there  was  any  one  present  to  listen  to  me  except 
the  young  lady,  and  when  I  happened  to  look  up,  and  saw  that  father,  moth 
er,  son,  and  daughter  were  paying  strict  attention  to  what  I  said,  broke 
down,  and  suddenly  ceased  speaking,  too .  much  embarrassed  to  finish 
my  narrative  in  bad  French,  which  no  one  had  the  impoliteness  to  laugh 
at. 

."  Please  continue,  monsieur,"  the  young  lady  pleaded,  but  I  had  said 
'enough  for  one  night. 

"  You  will  relate  some  more  adventures  to  me  tomorrow? n  mademoiselle 
asked,  as  we  arose  from  the  table,  and  she  gave  me  a  most  fascinating 
smile. 

"With  great  pleasure,"  I  answered,  "if  your  kind  mother  does  not 
object." 

"  She  will  never  refuse  as  long  as  you  continue  to  praise  my  brother. 
He  has  always  been  her  pet  in  spite  of  his  wildness,"  and  then  we  sepa 
rated  for  the  night,  and  I  dreamed  of  Anira  and  Engracia,  the  Ranche 
Refugio,  and  the  dead  girls'  faces  appeared  to  reproach  me  for  for^ 
them  so  soon. 

But  the  living  and  not 'the  dead  were  in  my  mind  the  next  morning 

\  awoke.    For  a  long  time  after  I  had  bathed  and  dressed  I  stood  at 

the  window  of  my  chamber,  and  looked  out  upon  the  sea,  and  thought  ot 

the  future,  and  asked  myself  a  serious  question,  but  the  answer  was  not 

ready  for  some  weel-s.     I  struggled  and  fought  against  the  ebb  tide  that 

iting  me  toward  a  dangerous  shoal,  but  the  time  c.ime  when  I  could 

no  longer  resist,  and  then  the  flood  came,  and  drifted  me  into  the  harbor  of 

happiness,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  Lewcy,  his  parents,  and  dear  liule 

sister. 

I  do  not  know  how  it  came  about.     Perhaps  Rose  loved  me,  like  Desdc- 
for  the  dangers  through  which  I  hiid  passed,  or  because  of  the  at- 


Lcwcy  and  I.  407 


f  her  brother,  and  his  desire  that  I  should  be  a  broiler  in 
feeling.     I  only  realized  that  one  day  she  placed  her  hand  in 
mine,  and  said  that  she  was  happy  in  the  love  of  an  honest  man,  and  then 
there  was  a  year  of  paradise,  and  such  bliss  as  rarely  falls  to  the  lot  of  -us 
poor  mort 

Then  there  came  ablaek  cloud,  and  I  saw  a  pale,  wan,  face,  a  faint  smile, 
felt  a  little  kiss  on  my  lips,  and  knew  no  rflpre  for  many  weeks,  for  there 
was  a  blank  in  my  life.  When  reason  returned  the  first  persor. 
Lewey,  seated  at  my  bedside,  holding  one  of  my  hands,  and  showing  the 
compassion  he  felt  in  his  expressive  eyes,  while  Jack  was  lying  on  the 
floor  and  regarding  me  with  mute  looks  of  pity,  such  as  only  a  faithful  dog 
can  sbo-Ar  for  one  it  loves. 

"Thorn,  my  brudder,"  Lewey  whispered,  "you  vill  be  a  man  now  dat 
you  is  most  vc'l  ?  " 

I  could  not  reply,  but  turned  my  face  to  the  wall,  and  tears  fell  from  my 
eyes  in  torrents  as  my  thoughts  went  back  to  the  past. 

44  Do  you  remember  de  old  times  in  California,"  Lewey  said,  very  softly, 
"  ven  vc  vas  free  from  care,  always  in  de  mischief,  and  inclined  to  dink  dat 
dings  vas  rough  for  us  ?  Yet  ve  alvays  come  out  on  de  top,  because  de  good 
God  directed  all  for  de  best.  He  has  done  so  in  dis  case.  It  is  hard  for, 
you,  and  de  rest  of  us,  but  He  ordered  it,  and  ve  must  not  repine." 

Some  weeks  afterward'  I  was  enabled  to  leave  my  chamber,  a  premature 
ly  old  young  man,  bent  and  weak  with  grief.     Every  one  was  very  patient 
.e  and  kind,  but  I  could  no  longer  remain  where  so  many  things  re 
minded  me  of  my  lost  wife  and  child.     I  returned  to  Boston,  settled  up  af- 
th  my  guardian,  and  for  eight  years    traveled  in  ever)  part  of  the 
giobe.    The  wound  healed  at  last,  but  the  scar  remains. 

In  one  corner  of  the  cemetery  at  Havre  is  a  sir  marble   : 

Bearing  the  simple  inscription,  "  Ros:  It  tells  its 

own  story  more  eloquently  than  w<yds.     Kind  hands  on  each  anniv 
of  death  place  upon  the  cold  marble  a  wreath  of  lilies,  cmWematical  « 
life  of  the  dead  when  living.    God  must  have  been  mercit'al  to  her,  she  was 
so  good. 


OPIE  READ'S  NOVELS 


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44 Turkey  Egg"  Griffin 
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Old  Ebenezer 
My  Young  Master 
A  Kentucky  Colonel     E^^IBH 

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On  the  Suwanee  River 
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Emmett  Bonlore 

This   new   edition   is   full-size    12mo,    printed    on  special 
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BERKELEY 

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